Justin Houston

Justin Houston considered 'stretch' for Sunday

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston is not likely to play this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, per Andy Reid.

Justin Houston was activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list immediately after the Chiefs beat the Oakland Raiders. In the two weeks since, Houston has returned to practice on a limited basis, with all reports out of Arrowhead being positive.

That trend continued somewhat on Monday, when head coach Andy Reid told reporters that Houston’s chances of playing against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday would be unlikely. However, Reid also pointed out that Houston was able to participate in all periods of practice last week, including contact sessions. In other words, he’s coming along.

The Chiefs are going to need a decision on Houston for the following week, though. If Houston is going to play this year, he needs to be on the active roster for the game against the Carolina Panthers. He doesn’t need to play, but he would have to count against the active roster.

Considering all we have heard about the situation, it would be genuinely shocking if Houston gets shut down. My guess is that the pass rush has come along (Dee Ford has seven sacks. Seven.) and Houston is getting very close, but why push him?

Look for Houston to be back on the active roster next week – and hopefully on the field.