Dolphins vs. Chiefs: Justin Houston listed as questionable for Kansas City

The Kanas City Chiefs are relatively healthy at this time of year, but they could be without Justin Houston heading into Sunday’s game against the Dolphins.

The Kansas City Chiefs defense has put up a significant effort over the last two weeks to dominate the Oakland Raiders for most of the game and to put away the L.A. Chargers in the third and fourth quarter in Week 15. Both efforts were marked by strong coverage and an aggressive pass rush. Now the Chiefs might have a much tougher time replicating that effort on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins given that Justin Houston is questionable to play.

Many Chiefs players have been dealing with an illness all week, including left tackle Eric Fisher and tight end Travis Kelce that took players out practice. Houston has also been hit but he’s the only one listed on the injury report, under “questionable,” heading into Sunday’s tilt against the visiting Dolphins.

Houston has been the team’s defensive MVP all season, not only leading the Chiefs in sacks, but serving as one of the NFL’s best all-around defenders. Whether dropping into coverage, sealing the edge against the run or getting after the passer, Houston has proven this year that there’s not a single weakness in his game at all. Given the lack of help opposite Houston in the pass rush, the Georgia product’s impact is sometimes lost on the stat sheet, but the eye test will tell you otherwise.

Houston has 56 total tackles this season including 9.5 sacks, 5 passes defended and 2 fumble returns, including one for a touchdown.