KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Outside linebacker Justin Houston continues to miss practice since suffering a knee injury in Week 12.
Houston, who recently saw the renowned Dr. James Andrews, is among five players not practicing Wednesday as the Chiefs prepare for Sunday’s road game in Baltimore against the Ravens.
Joining Houston as non-participants are outside linebacker Tamba Hali (knee), safety Husain Abdullah (concussion), wide receiver De’Anthony Thomas (concussion) and running back Spencer Ware (rib).
Hali missing a Wednesday workout is no cause for alarm, as the Chiefs continue to take it easy on the veteran.
Thomas, on the other hand, is a concern given the missed time since sustaining a concussion in Week 11.
Coach Andy Reid didn’t want to speculate on if Thomas will return before the end of the season, pointing out the second-year wide receiver continues to go through the concussion protocol.
“He could be back by the end of this week,” Reid said. “He could be. We’re just taking that day-by-day. We’re kind of at that point. He’s going through the whole thing they do.”
Thomas and Ware were observed on the sidelines watching their teammates stretch during the portion of practice open to the media.
Meanwhile, guard/tackle Jeff Allen (ankle) returned to a full practice along with defensive end Mike DeVito (concussion, shoulder). Both players did not play in Week 14, so their ability to practice fully early in the week offers a good sign for their availability Sunday.
Tight end Travis Kelce (groin, quadriceps) also put in a full practice.
The Ravens list eight players on the initial injury report, including quarterback Matt Schuab (chest).
Backup quarterback Jimmy Clausen would likely draw the start if Schaub is unavailable against the Chiefs.
“It will be either Matt or Jimmy,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a conference call with Chiefs beat writers, “and we’ll just see how it goes this week.”
Wednesday’s injury report as released by the Chiefs:
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Practice report
Did not participate in practice: S Husain Abdullah (concussion), LB Tamba Hali (knee), LB Justin Houston (knee), WR De’Anthony Thomas (concussion), RB Spencer Ware (rib)
Full participation: OL Jeff Allen (ankle), DE Mike DeVito (concussion, shoulder), TE Travis Kelce (groin, quadricep)
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Did not participate in practice: CB Kyle Arrington (back), WR Marlon Brown (back), LB Elvis Dumervil (non-injury related), TE Crockett Gillmore (back), LB Albert McClellan (ankle), G Marshal Yanda (ankle)
Limited participation: G Kelechi Osemele (knee), QB Matt Schaub (chest)
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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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