KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston makes his long-anticipated return to the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Arrowhead Stadium, but the team’s defense lines up without starting cornerback Marcus Peters and defensive end Jaye Howards
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston goes through his pregame routine ahead of the team’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Arrowhead Stadium, Nov. 20, 2016. (Photo by Matt Derrick, ChiefsDigest.com)
Coach Andy Reid said Houston looked ready to return following practice this week, but did not indicate how much playing time to expect from the veteran linebacker.
Houston returns, but the Chiefs take the field without NFL interception leader Peters and starting defensive end Howard. Peters sustained a hip pointer last week against Carolina, which kept him out of practice the past week. Howard continues battling a fip flexor injury.
Rookie cornerback D.J. White appears on the active list, giving the team’s secondary a boost with the absence of Peters. White and backup corner Kenneth Acker should see playing time behind Phillip Gaines and Steven Nelson.
The defensive line due of Rakeem Nunez-Roches and Kendall Reyes will fill in for Howard alongside tackle Dontari Poe and rookie Chris Jones. Poe battle a knee injury and back spasms during the week but expects to play.
The Chiefs also remain without wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. The veteran wideout misses his second-straight game with a groin strain. Rookie Tyreek Hill expects to continue filling in for Maclin.
TAMBA BAY BUCCANEERS INACTIVES
G Kevin Pamphile, RB Jacquizz Rodgers, C Even Smith,OL Leonard Webster, DT John Hughes III, DT Sealver Siliga and QB Ryan Griffin
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS INACTIVES
WR Jeremy Maclin, CB Marcus Peters, DE Jaye Howard, QB Tyler Bray, RB Bishop Sankey, OL Mike Person and LB Dadi Nicolas
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Matt Derrick is the lead beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com and the Topeka Capital-Journal. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @MattDerrick.
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