KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Chiefs coach Andy Reid on Monday tackled a recent report that indicated outside linebacker Justin Houston likely will miss Kansas City’s remaining two regular-season games with a knee injury.
Nov. 22, 2015; San Diego; Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) intercepts a pass thrown by San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) at Qualcomm Stadium. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
“I haven’t heard that,” Reid said. “I think I would probably know that. That wasn’t coming from us.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday morning became the second national NFL media member to report Houston may not see action before the playoffs.
“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,” Schefter tweeted Sunday morning.
The NFL Network’s Rand Getlin previously reported on Twitter “some fear” Houston could miss the remainder of the regular season.
Houston hasn’t practiced since suffering what the Chiefs categorize as a hyperextended knee in Week 12 against the Buffalo Bills and has missed three straight games.
The Pro Bowl linebacker visited Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola last week, but the Chiefs, who confirmed the visit, alleviated concerns Thursday.
“It’s a hyperextended knee,” head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder said last week. “He’s getting better, now that his swelling is down, his motion’s back, we thought it was a good time to see Dr. Andrews and he’ll be back up here in a couple of days. We’ll continue his rehab process.”
Reid on Monday reinforced Burkholder’s stance, adding the Chiefs are maintaining the status quo by taking it “day-by-day” with Houston.
“He seems to be making progress, which is positive,” Reid said.” It’s one of those weird kind of injuries, but he is making progress and that’s kind of what you’re going on, that’s what the doctors have told us.”
Reid said Burkholder will continue working with Houston as part of the rehabilitation process.
Second-year pro Dee Ford started the past three games in Houston’s absence.
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Herbie Teope is the lead Chiefs beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com and The Topeka Capital-Journal. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @HerbieTeope.
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