James Houston: Everything you need to know

Houston finished the 2025 regular season with 35 tackles, including 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a recovered fumble over 17 games. Houston impressed as a rookie with 8.0 sacks over seven regular-season games with Detroit, but over the following two campaigns he had just 1.0 sacks across 13 contests. The Jackson State product put his name back on the map last season, as his 5.5 sacks were second-most on the Cowboys. He signed a two-year contract last July and should continue to have a role in Dallas' pass-rushing corps next season.

Houston (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Panthers, Clarence Hill Jr. of AllDLLS.com reports. After being limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday, Houston was able to practice fully Friday. He's appeared in all five games this season and has logged 11 tackles (seven solo), including a team-high 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Houston (knee) was a limited participant at practice Thursday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports. Houston has now opened the week with back-to-back limited practices due to a knee injury, which he may have suffered in the team's Week 5 win over the Jets. The defensive lineman will have one more chance to log a full practice before Sunday's contest against Carolina.