Before Super Wild Card Weekend, an ex-Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro has joined with the current KC foe.
“[The Miami] Dolphins are signing veteran pass rusher Justin Houston, a source says,” NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo reported on January 9. He went on to say: “Banged up at the edge, Miami adds an experienced player at that spot heading into the postseason.”
Of course, Houston is much more than just a “experienced” pass rusher; he’s a long-time Chiefs defensive star who has 78.5 regular-season sacks with the team, plus another 4.0 in the playoffs.
Houston, who was drafted by the Chiefs in 2011, has not played for the team since 2018. He’s played for the Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, and Carolina Panthers during the last five seasons. On January 21, he will be 35 years old, having played in seven games for the Panthers this season, recording 0.5 sacks and two tackles for loss.
Houston’s initial priority, assuming he’s able to play on Saturday night, will be to disrupt Chiefs reigning MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Dolphins Injuries Have Mounted at OLB Since Last Matchup With Chiefs
On November 5, the Chiefs and Dolphins clashed in Germany. Since then, Miami has been plagued by injuries, particularly at the outside linebacker position, which Houston would fill in this scheme.
Jaelan Phillips (Achilles), Bradley Chubb (knee), and Andrew Van Ginkel (foot) are all out for the season, while Cameron Goode suffered a catastrophic knee injury in Week 18. After the game, head coach Mike McDaniel stated that his availability did not appear “promising,” and he has subsequently been ruled out for the rest of the season as well.
Outside linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah, former Chief Melvin Ingram, Calvin Munson, and Houston remain on the active roster.
Miami’s injuries don’t stop there. Inside linebacker Jerome Baker (wrist) has already been ruled out, as has starting cornerback Xavien Howard (foot), whom the Dolphins are “not planning” to play against the Chiefs.
There have been other others who have been placed on season-ending injured reserve at various points during the season, such as offensive tackle Connor Williams and running back Salvon Ahmed, but there is a glimmer of hope for the Dolphins.
McDaniel expressed confidence that standout wide receiver and running back duo Jaylen Waddle (ankle) and Raheem Mostert (knee) will be able to return during the first round of the NFL Playoffs. And, while their situation has not yet been confirmed, it appears to be improving.
Week 18 Should Give Chiefs Upper Hand in Terms of Health
In Week 18, the Chiefs were permitted to rest numerous starters, including Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, wide receiver Rashee Rice, cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, and others.
Furthermore, recent injury absences like as left tackle Donovan Smith and wide receiver Kadarius Toney were given an extra week to recover, and Kansas City’s bumps and bruises healed as the Dolphins picked up new ones. That fact alone should give the Chiefs a slight advantage in this game, not to mention homefield advantage.
On January 9, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid stated that only rookie OT Wanya Morris and WR Justyn Ross would not practice on Tuesday. According to Reid, Morris is in the concussion protocol, while Ross has a “hamstring strain.”
Having said that, the Chiefs’ head coach stated that Smith “should be fine” for the first round of the playoffs at left tackle, a position Morris has been filling in recent weeks.
As you can see, Kansas City is in good shape going into Wild Card Weekend. In contrast, the Dolphins are not.
