KANSAS CITY, Mo. — No one stood on the sidelines for the Kansas City Chiefs at practice Wednesday as the team prepares to meet the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional playoffs, but the availability of Justin Houston remains an open question.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston returned to practice Jan. 11 as the team prepares to host the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC divisional playoff game Jan. 15 at Arrowhead Stadium. (Photo by Matt Derrick, ChiefsDigest.com)
The linebacker was a limited participant in practice, his first time back on the practice field since he last played in week 15 against the Tennessee Titans. Houston also did not anticipate in the team’s brief practice on Monday.
Despite the limited workout, coach Andy Reid expressed confidence the veteran linebacker plays Sunday against Pittsburgh.
“I’ll probably know more as I watch him practice, but I think he’ll be fine,” Reid said. “I’m anticipating that. That’s where I think he’ll be at.”
Linebacker Tamba Hali also participated on a limited basis, which is routine for the 11-year veteran.
Running back Spencer Ware (rib) and safety Eric Berry fully participated in practice. Ware missed the season finale against San Diego with a rib injury. Berry left the Chargers game early with a tight Achilles.
The Steelers designated quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as not practicing with a foot injury, but Wednesday is a normal rest day for the veteran.
Roethlisberger appeared in a walking boot at his press conference following the team’s 30-12 wild card win over the Miami Dolphins Sunday.
The veteran quarterback said he his foot felt good.
“I just got tackled last week,” It wasn’t anything big, my foot just happened to be under me a little bit and get twisted around a little bit.”
Running back Le’Veon Bell also did not practice but not due to injury.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Practice report
Did not participate in practice: RB Le’Veon Bell (not injury related), QB Ben Roethlisberger (foot), LB Anthony Chickillo (ankle), TE Ladarius Green (concussion), DE Ricardo Mathews (ankle), RB Fitzgerald Toussaint (concussion) and LB Vince Williams (shoulder)
Limited participation: S Sean Davis (shoulder) and DE Stephon Tuitt (ankle)
Full participation: S Robert Golden (ankle)
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Practice report
Did not participate in practice: None
Limited participation: LB Justin Houston (knee) and LB Tamba Hali (knee)
Full participation: RB Spencer Ware (rib) and S Eric Berry (Achilles)
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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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