Houston's 2016 in danger

Chiefs OLB Justin Houston required an unexpected ACL repair in February, which might put his 2016 season in jeopardy. According to Chiefs head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder, a 2nd knee scope by Dr. James Andrews after January's playoff exit revealed that Houston's ACL "was intact" but that it "wasn't functioning properly." (Houston initially hyperextended the knee in Week 12.) Andrews reportedly fixed that issue, but Houston still faces a 6-12 month recovery window. From February, of course, that would be the difference between August or next February. We'll see how Houston progresses into and through the summer, but IDP owners clearly won't be able to count on him come fantasy draft time. The situation creates opportunity for OLB Dee Ford, whom teammate Tamba Hali recently challenged to improve his preparation. The Chiefs also re-signed Hali and OLB Frank Zombo this offseason and added OLB Jonathan Massaquoi

The Ravens have reached a 1-year deal with EDGE Justin Houston. The veteran spent the past 2 years with the Colts, tallying 19 sacks. He should be in for a starting role on a Baltimore defense that let Matt Judon walk in free agency. The move to Baltimore will likely change his position designation from DE to LB on many fantasy-league hosting sites.

Colts DE Justin Houston (hip) and DL Denico Autry (ankle, knee) are active for today’s game against the Bengals. Each had an odd practice week. Houston sat out Wednesday and Friday, with a limited practice in between. Autry missed practice Wednesday and Thursday but returned to a full Friday workout. They face a Cincinnati offense that has allowed the league’s most sacks. That upside makes Houston and Autry worth the risk for IDP lineups … at their appropriate levels. Check our updated Week 6 DL rankings.

Colts DE Justin Houston is questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings. He missed practice Thursday and Friday with a calf injury and doesn't look like a good bet for IDP lineups this weekend. We'll update his status Sunday morning.

Colts DE Justin Houston is questionable for Sunday's game at Pittsburgh. He suffered a calf injury in Thursday's practice that then kept him out Friday. We'll need to watch Houston's status Sunday morning. S Malik Hooker is also questionable. He returned last week after missing 3 games with a knee injury. Hooker opened this practice week on the field but then was limited Thursday and sat out Friday, again with a knee issue. He hasn't been much of an IDP option even when healthy, at least. His previous replacement, Khari Willis, looks ready to go if Hooker sits.

Colts DE Justin Houston is active for today's game against the Texans. He turned up questionable after a calf injury kept him out of practice Thursday and Friday. But there's too much upside against a Houston offense missing RT Tytus Howard to leave this guy on your IDP bench.