Will Justin Houston return this week?

For the Kansas City Chiefs perhaps the biggest thing missing from their game right now is the pass rush. With Houston waiting on the wings, will this be the week he finally makes his return?

Justin Houston has for the better part of five years been the best pass rusher on the Kansas City Chiefs. However, last year saw the former Pro-Bowl player get sidelined with knee injuries which would cause him to miss much of the last part of the 2015 season. It was then discovered in the off season that he actually had suffered a partial torn ACL, thus hindering his chances at a return in 2016.

Last Wednesday the Kansas City Chiefs welcomed Houston back to the field which means he can now be activated to the roster within the 21-day window, or he will miss the entire season. Now the biggest question that remains is when will the star linebacker return to the field for good?

At his press conference, head coach Andy Reid spoke to the press about the possibility of Houston’s return to the field.

“We’ll just keep practicing him — we’ll see how he does. He’s not there yet, but he did look good last week. We’ll take it day-by-day and see how he does”, said Reid.

Reid followed that up with what Houston needs to do to get ready.

“It’s getting acclimated back into a simple thing as just having the pads on and moving around at the speed the guys are moving around out there,” Reid said. “You can’t get that in rehab — you have to get everything adjusted, and he’s doing that. He works very hard.”

He ended the press conference with saying that Houston, “Probably won’t play this weekend, but we’ll see how it goes.”

Interesting, though the likelihood that Houston will return this weekend seems slim, there is still a chance he may play. This is huge news fora Chiefs defense that has league low 8 sacks all season long. But, just because Houston may return to the field does not automatically equal sacks for the defense. Right now third year man Dee Ford currently leads the team with 3.5 sacks. Even veteran Tamba Hali only has collected one sack on the season.

Nov 29, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) celebrates after a reviewed call is upheld against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Chiefs defense is lacking in pressuring the opposing quarterback for sure. But just because Houston might return this weekend does not mean that it will improve. They team travels to Indianapolis this weekend, a team that has given up the most sacks in the NFL with 25. So even if Houston does not play, there is a slight chance they will get that increased pressure on a weak offensive line in Indy.

Kansas City’s season is looking up from where they were a few weeks ago. Currently sitting third in what looks like a tough AFC West group, except for the Chargers. The once feared defense is still finding ways to win against good opponents but if they want to go for it all and win the west, the sacks need to start piling up, and fast.

What do you think, Addicts? Are you anticipating the return of Houston this weekend or are we still a few weeks out? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Thanks for reading.

GO CHIEFS!!!!