Justin Houston, Branden Albert ruled out for Colts-Chiefs game

As expected both Justin Houston and Branden Albert have been ruled out of Sunday's Colts-Chiefs game. Andy Reid listed both of them as questionable but said that it would be a stretch for either to play. They will be on the bench today.

Other inactives: Tyler Bray, Nico Johnson, Eric Kush, Rishaw Johnson, Jaye Howard.

Houston dislocated his elbow and has been out for a month. He practiced some this week, suggesting his return is close. Albert hyper-extended his knee and will miss his third consecutive game because of it. Frank Zombo will step in for Houston at pass rusher while Donald Stephenson will one again replace Albert on the left side. Eric Fisher will remain on the right side.

No other surprises for the Chiefs inactives. Given that it's Week 16, I can be happy about just two key players missing the game. The depth has been tested this season.

Meanwhile, the Colts ruled out three offensive linemen.

#colts inactives: Sergio Brown, Daniel Adongo, Hugh Thornton, Jeff Linkenbach, Joe Reitz, Ricky Jean Francois, Montori Hughes.

— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) December 22, 2013

Here were the injury reports heading into the game....

Chiefs injury report

QUESTIONABLE T Branden Albert (knee), LB Justin Houston (elbow)

PROBABLE TE Anthony Fasano (concussion, knee), T Eric Fisher(shoulder), LB James-Michael Johnson (shoulder), LB Nico Johnson (ankle), WR Dexter McCluster (ankle), TE Sean McGrath (knee), CB Ron Parker (shoulder)

Colts injury report

DOUBTFUL S Sergio Brown (groin), DT Montori Hughes (knee), DT Ricky Jean Francois (foot), T Jeff Linkenbach(quadricep), G Joe Reitz (concussion)

QUESTIONABLE LB Daniel Adongo (hamstring), WR T.Y. Hilton (shoulder), GHugh Thornton (neck), CB Gregory Toler (groin)

PROBABLE WR LaVon Brazill (foot), RB Donald Brown (neck), DT Aubrayo Franklin (not injury related), RB Stanley Havili (knee), LB Robert Mathis (not injury related), C Samson Satele (elbow)