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It’s a good day for the Kansas City Chiefs, as veteran linebacker Justin Houston practiced for the first time all year on Wednesdabjy. Houston, who had offseason knee surgery, was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list back in August, which meant he’d miss at least the first six weeks of the season. This was the earliest Houston could have possibly returned, so the fact that he’s already back on the field is a good sign for the All-Pro pass rusher’s situation moving forward. Houston has played in 70 regular-season games over the past five years and has amassed 264 tackles, 56 sacks, eight forced fumbles, three interceptions and 25 passes defensed. He’s a four-time Pro Bowler who finished just one sack shy of breaking the NFL’s record for most sacks in a season back in 2014, when he finished with an astonishing 22 sacks.As Houston takes the field on Wednesday, there’s now a 21-day practice window that begins as part of the rules of the PUP list, and by the end of that window, Houston will have to be called up to the active roster or he’ll miss the season. Houston can be activated to the roster any time during this 21-day window, although Reid did say that he’d “probably bet against” Houston playing on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. “I just think we just need to see what he can do out here,” Reid told the media on Wednesday as to what the plan was for Houston right now. “We need to keep a rein on it. I joked with [Houston] today that he probably didn’t sleep much last night he’s so excited. He’s been bouncing around the last couple of weeks here. “At the same time, we probably need to pump the brakes a little bit and make sure he doesn’t overdo it.” Reid said he’ll have Houston go through individuals during Wednesday’s practice and then kind of go from there to see how he’s doing.However much Houston ends up doing at practice, his teammates are excited to see him back on the field in any capacity. “I look forward to [Houston] practicing today,” veteran running back Jamaal Charles explained. “I just hope I don’t have to go against him if he’s on the scout team. He’s going to have so much energy. “You can see it in his face. He’s happy and he doesn’t have to stress out about being away from football anymore. He’s back on the field with his brothers, and not just be around us, but try to help us and encourage us to get to the next level.”One of Houston’s running mates at outside linebacker for the past few years, veteran Tamba Hali, is obviously excited to have him back on the field as well. “He’s one of our leaders and having him back on the field is only going to be a positive,” Hali added. “Especially because our team is so young, these young guys are going to see a guy that’s serious about his craft and who is coming back to make an impact and help our team. “They’re going to see his mentality and his leadership.” It’s hard to not be excited as one of the NFL’s best defensive players returns to practice.

Kansas City Chiefs Official Team Website | Chiefs.com

Justin Houston Returns to Practice for the Chiefs

Head coach Andy Reid gave an update on Wednesday