Justin Houston Listed as Probable, Should Return vs. Colts

John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Houston, Kansas City Chiefs’ star outside linebacker, is expected to be on the field for this weekend’s Wild Card matchup between the Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts.

Houston has been sidelined with a dislocated elbow since Week 12. That injury caused him to miss the rest of the regular season, but Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star is reporting that it looks like Houston will return for the Chiefs’ playoff game:

"But Saturday, when the Chiefs head to Indianapolis for their first-round playoff game, all signs point to Houston finally being ready to play, a return to normalcy that can do plenty of good for a team that has gone 2-5 in its last seven games."

According to the injury report on KCChiefs.com, Houston is listed as probable.

Without a doubt, the Chiefs’ defense should receive a huge shot in the arm from Houston’s return. He was one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL before getting injured, and his presence will free things up for Tamba Hali across from him, or Dontari Poe in the middle. Despite missing time with injury, Houston notched 40 tackles, 11 sacks, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 2013.

“Those guys are great pass rushers so (teams) can’t just come in and … double one person,” Poe said via Paylor. “Somebody has to have a one-on-one … when one of those guys are down, it’s not the same.”

Paylor also reports that Houston will be wearing an arm brace, but if needed, he could have played in last weekend’s game at San Diego.