Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston practiced Wednesday for the first time in months, the latest positive sign in his recovery from offseason knee surgery.
But Chiefs coach Andy Reid made it clear that Houston _ who was cleared for football-related activities last week _ is still a little ways from contributing in a game. When asked, Reid shot down the possibility that Houston, who remains on the physically unable to perform list, has a chance of playing Sunday against New Orleans.
"I'd probably bet against that one," Reid said. "That's not what I'm looking at."
Reid said the goal Wednesday was to see how Houston, who had surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament in February, looked in a practice setting.
"Listen, I think we just need to see what he can do out here, and then, keep a rein on it," Reid said. "I joked with him today because he probably didn't sleep much last night, he's so excited. He's been bouncing around the last couple weeks here, so I think he's very excited to get out here.
"Same time, we have to pump the breaks just a little bit and make sure he doesn't over do it."
Through the first six weeks of the season, the 3-2 Chiefs rank second to last in the NFL in sacks with seven.
Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith said it will be good to get Houston back on the field.
"For the whole team, it will be good to have him out (there), have his energy, have his presence," Smith said. "He means so much to this team, even in that regard. It will be good to have that energy out there, that presence, knowing that he's working his way back."
