KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs host the Denver Broncos for Sunday night football, but do so without the services of linebacker Justin Houston. The team declared Houston among the inactives, along with cornerback Phillip Gaines.
The Kansas City Chiefs participate in pregame warmups before their Christmas night matchup against the Denver Broncos on NBC Sunday Night Football at Arrowhead Stadium. (Photo by Matt Derrick, ChiefsDigest.com)
Houston remained on the sidelines this week during practice. Coach Andy Reid said the team backed off the veteran linebacker to alleviate swelling on this surgically repaired knee.
“Coming back with it, you kind of figured there would be times like this,” Reid said Friday. “That’s kind of how they’ve all worked. It’s all part of it.”
The Chiefs chose to go with an extra defensive back with cornerback Kenneth Acker active tonight. The return of defensive lineman Kendall Reyes makes David King the odd man on.
Other in actives include running back Knile Davis, quarterback Tyler Bray, tight end Ross Travis and offensive lineman Mike Person.
The Broncos are without starting linebacker Brandon Marshall and safety T.J. Ward in addition to tight ends A.J. Derby and Virgil Green. Defensive line Derek Wolfe, listed questionable Friday, will play for the Broncos. Also inactive for the Broncos is former Missouri Tigers offensive linemand Conner McGovern.
DENVER BRONCOS INACTIVES
S T.J. Ward, LB Brandon Marshall, TE A.J. Derby, TE Virgil Green, LB Quentin Gause, LB Vontarrius Dora and OL Conner McGovern
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS INACTIVES
CB Phillip Gaines, LB Justin Houston, DL David King, RB Knile Davis, QB Tyler Bray, TE Ross Travis and OL Mike Person
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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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