Justin Houston
Nov 1, 2015; London, United Kingdom; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (50) celebrates with teammates Tamba Hall (91) and Eric Fisher (72) after intercepting a pass in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions during game 14 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Houston, we don't have a problem.

The Kansas City Chiefs have officially activated linebacker Justin Houston from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list according to NFL.com.

Technically, Houston is now allowed to play this weekend against the Carolina Panthers, but it is still unknown whether or not if the four time Pro Bowler will take the field. Houston is still listed as “questionable” on the Chiefs depth chart meaning the decision will ultimately come down to Houston, team doctors and Head Coach Andy Reid.

Houston suffered a torn ACL at the end of last season, and later had surgery in February of 2016. Early reports indicated that his surgery was so extensive that there was even a possibility that Houston could miss the entire 2016-17 NFL season. To preserve a roster spot, many NFL experts suggested that the Chiefs should place Houston on season ending Injured Reserve. However that is extremely risky considering Houston wouldn’t be able to play.

It looks like the Chiefs made a very wise decision.

We are approaching Week 10 and it has become abundantly clear that Houston is well ahead of schedule and exceeding earlier expectations. With Dee Ford having his best season, Tamba Hali still playing, and Houston set to return, the sky is the limit for this Chiefs defense that already ranks No. 1 in interceptions forced and No. 8 in points allowed.

Houston led the Chiefs in sacks last season with 7.5. He is widely regarded as one of the best pass rushers in the entire league having been selected for a spot on the AFC roster in the annual Pro Bowl four consecutive years. He has recorded 56 sacks in 70 career games, the fourth most by a Chiefs player in franchise history behind only Neil Smith, Tamba Hali and Derrick Thomas.

There’s still no definitive answer on whether or not Houston will play, however it can be confirmed that quarterback Alex Smith will in fact start after missing last week’s game because of a concussion.

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