Justin Houston set to miss rest of regular season
Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston will miss the rest of the regular season.
Kansas City Chiefs’ linebacker, Justin Houston, is set to miss the rest of the regular season with a hyper-extended knee. This is a huge blow for the Kansas City Chiefs. Justin Houston is proving himself to be the best outside linebacker in the NFL right now, and his absence will be hard felt by the Chiefs.
Chiefs' LB Justin Houston not expected to play again in regular season, but is hoping to make it back in time for postseason, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 20, 2015
After an enormous season, racking up 22 sacks to set a new franchise record, Houston earned his big money contract in the summer as John Dorsey paid the big man.
This year, while his stats are not as high, his effect on the team is. He is often double teamed and has helped Tamba Hali, the opposing edge rusher, return to top form. However, per Adam Schefter, Houston is now set to miss the rest of the regular season after suffering the injury in Week 12.
Kansas City are chasing a wild card AFC playoff berth, with an outside shot of catching the Denver Broncos in the AFC West, and after a seven-win stretch, they are the hot heading towards the postseason.
However, with the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers also in the wildcard race, Andy Reid and his Chiefs’ may well need to win out. With the Baltimore Ravens next on Sunday, which Houston has already been announced as inactive for, and the Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders coming to Arrowhead to close the season, the Chiefs will be hoping to close the year with three wins with or without Houston. However, Houston’s absence is a blow to this team, and Andy Reid will be keen to see him return as soon as possible.