The Kansas City Chiefs will start the season without Justin Houston.
The linebacker was placed on the physically unable to perform list, the team announced Tuesday. Houston will miss at least the first six games of the season.
The 27-year-old pass rusher battled knee issues in 2015, missing five games. He didn't look right when he returned for the Chiefs' two playoff contests.
Houston underwent knee surgery to "fix" his ACL in February. He'll visit with Dr. James Andrews in four weeks for an update, the team's official website announced.
During the summer, Houston scoffed at the notion he would miss the entire season and the Chiefs have insisted all offseason that Houston will return at some point. He will, however, miss at least six games. Getting the pocket wrecker back by midseason could give K.C. a boost towards another playoff run.
The Chiefs also announced that veteran inside linebacker Josh Mauga will out for the season.
