The Kansas City Chiefs will definitely be without Justin Houston on Sunday and they may be without Tamba Hali, too.
Tamba, who was listed as questionable, broke his thumb in last week's game and had surgery to put a cast on it this week. It was reported earlier in the week that he still hoped to play against the Browns, which would be key for a Chiefs team already missing Houston with a hyperextended knee.
Now it's no sure thing that Tamba plays against Cleveland:
#Chiefs LB Tamba Hali (broken thumb) had planned to play earlier in the week. Now, there is more uncertainty. Game-time decision.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2015
Dee Ford would be replacing Houston and then Frank Zombo would be the next man up for Tamba. Losing one of the Chiefs top pass rushers affects the defense but losing both? We haven't seen this team play a game without Tamba and Houston since they rested starters in the final regular season game of the 2013 season.
The Chiefs need to keep winning to make the playoffs so nothing is wrapped up yet. This means that this game is still very important even if the Chiefs are 11-point favorites and it would be great if there were a healthy Tamba playing.
The Chiefs full injury report is below; you can see the Browns injury report here.
Out
S Husain Abdullah (concussion)
LB Justin Houston (knee)
WR De'Anthony Thomas (concussion / non-football related)
Questionable
LB Tamba Hali (thumb / knee)
Probable
RB Spencer Ware (ribs)
OL Jeff Allen (ankle)
TE Travis Kelce (groin)
LB Dee Ford (knee)