Detroit Lions helmet (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions have shockingly released pass rusher James Houston from their roster ahead of this week’s Thanksgiving Day clash against the Chicago Bears.

Houston went viral earlier this month after appearing to poop his pants during a win over the Houston Texans and will now be looking for a new home following what has come across as a surprising decision by the team.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler broke news of the player’s release on Tuesday afternoon.

“The #Detroit Lions are releasing pass rusher James Houston, per sources,” the insider tweeted. “Houston had eight sacks as a rookie in 2022 but has been in and out of the Detroit lineup since then.”

James Houston Unable To Replicate Rookie Form

Houston had been with the Lions since the NFC North side selected him in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He had a monster rookie season in which he recorded eight sacks in just seven games but struggled with injuries the following term and has been in and out of the team since then.

The 26-year-old was activated off the injured reserve earlier this year after a long-term injury. But it doesn’t appear that he’s done enough to keep the coaching staff happy despite regaining full fitness.

Houston will likely find a new team shortly after clearing waivers, as several organizations are keen on signing a pass rusher approaching the business end of the season.