Chiefs OLB Justin Houston Underwent ACL Surgery, Season In Jeopardy

Update:

After speaking to people at the owners meetings, Adam Schefter reports that it’s clear that Chiefs OLB Justin Houston‘s 2016 season is in jeopardy.

There appeared to be some optimism that Houston would be available at some point around August. However, it sounds like a more realistic timetable for Houston could be closer to the 12 months mark.

If it becomes clear that Houston will miss much more time that six months, the Chiefs could be forced to consider placing him on injured reserve to open the year.

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Chiefs OLB Justin Houston underwent ACL surgery back in February and his expected to be out six to 12 months following the procedure, according to trainer Rick Burkholder, per Adam Teicher.

“He went down to see Dr. Andrews in February (for a second time) and that’s when he had his knee scoped,” Burkholder explained. “When he had his knee scoped and Dr. Andrews was able to look inside of his knee, he determined that his ACL was intact. It just wasn’t functioning. [Dr. Andrews] didn’t do anything at that moment—brought him out of surgery and we all got on the phone and discussed everything, and decided to have his ACL fixed. ”

Adam Schefter mentions that the soonest Houston would be back from this procedure is in August, and his absence could very well extend into the regular season.

Houston, 27, is in the second year of his six-year, $101 million contract that included $52.5 million guaranteed. He stands to make a base salary of $14.9 million for the 2016 season.

In 2015, Houston appeared in 11 games for the Chiefs and recorded 30 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and six pass defenses. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 4 edge defender out of 110 qualifying players.