Justin Houston returns to Chiefs practice

Nov 22, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) awaits the snap during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) awaits the snap during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Kansas City Chiefs are getting a huge lift on Wednesday afternoon, with the return of outside linebacker Justin Houston to the practice field.

Kansas City, we have very good news. After being on the PUP list with a non-functioning ACL that was repaired by Dr. James Andrews in February, Justin Houston will be making his return to practice on Wednesday, per head coach Andy Reid.

Houston was able to come off the PUP list for the first time this week, and with the Chiefs letting him practice, this tells us that rehab has been going great. Houston is not likely to play this weekend against the New Orleans Saints, but could come back either against the Indianapolis Colts or Jacksonville Jaguars over the next two weeks.

Getting Houston back is going to change the entire defense. The Chiefs have had all kinds of trouble getting pressure on the quarterback, especially with Frank Zombo seeing so many snaps. Tamba Hali has also been rotating and while his snaps have been good, he’s not getting consistent sacks. Dee Ford is actually leading the team with 3.5 sacks.

Once Houston comes back to game action, Zombo will go back to his special teams role. Then, look for Ford and Hali to rotate with Houston being the dominant force he always is off the right side.