Justin Houston not yet activated, Spencer Ware returns, Jeremy Maclin does not

The Kansas City have some good news and some bad news with the start of Carolina Panthers week.

First, some housekeeping. The Chiefs have not yet activated Justin Houston. Key word: yet. They have until later today to do so but all expectations are that they will. It’s not clear yet if he will play this weekend or not. Wait for more on that. (Update: One of his agents says he’s being activated later today)

The good news is that Spencer Ware will practice after missing last week’s game with a concussion. He passed the concussion protocol. The Ware news is big because the Chiefs running game, which had been strong under Ware, didn’t do much last week against the Jaguars. Ware has been playing really well so his return and involvement will be key.

The bad news is that Jeremy Maclin, who played just two snaps last week because of a groin injury, is not practicing on Wednesday. Also not practicing for the Chiefs is Tamba Hali and Jaye Howard (hip flexor). Maclin concerns me if he can’t play. He’s an important part of the passing game, especially against a team that doesn’t defend the pass very well.