Injury Updates Regarding Chiefs OLBs Justin Houston & Tamba Hali

Update:

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that the Chiefs have a “much higher level of concern” with Justin Houston‘s elbow injury than Tamba Hali‘s ankle.

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Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid offered some updates regarding the recent injuries to outside linebackers Tamba Hali and Justin Houston.

According to Reid, Hali has a “slight” ankle sprain while Houston suffered a subluxed elbow during Sunday’s loss to the Chargers.

It appears that the Chiefs dodged a potentially serious situation with Hali, though his status for Week 13 still remains uncertain.

“He was on crutches after the game and today he was able to walk in the pool,” Reid said. “He came in with one crutch so we’re halfway there.”

Meanwhile, an MRI test on Houston’s elbow is expected to give them a more definitive timetable for his return.

Houston “subluxed” his elbow, which is basically a temporary dislocation before the elbow popped back into place.

“Justin Houston subluxed his elbow,” Reid said. “We weren’t able to do the MRI he’s got quite a bit of swelling in there and they weren’t able to get him in the position to do the MRI.”

A subluxation is really just a temporary dislocation, but the fact that Houston has a good deal of swelling in his elbow likely means he will miss at least Week 13’s game.

Losing the top two linebackers on the team for an extended period would be horrible news for the Chiefs considering how much they rely on their defense.

As of now, Houston ranks No. 1 for 3-4 outside linebackers with Hali close behind at No. 4 overall, according to Pro Football Focus’ rankings.

We’ll have more information regarding both players as the news is available.