Chiefs place Jaye Howard on injured reserve

The Kansas City Chiefs have placed Jaye Howard on injured reserve.

Chiefs placed DE Jaye Howard on IR, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 1, 2016

Howard, a five year veteran, has already missed a few games with a hip injury and continues to sit out practice week after week. Apparently any hopes for Howard's improvement took a turn on Thursday with the news that John Dorsey will sit him for the rest of the season.

Howard inked a two-year deal in free agency to re-sign with the Chiefs, a surprise move in which many thought he would bolt for a bigger paycheck after proving himself with the team. Unfortunately his season is now over after only 8 games (and 5 starts). His final stat line includes 18 tackles on the season and a single sack.

Even more, this means the team's strength along the defensive front will face serious tests down the stretch. The Chiefs continue to see Dontari Poe's name on the injury list for the last few games, and Allen Bailey was placed on Injured Reserve earlier in the season. Back-ups like Rakeem Nunez-Roches and Kendall Reyes have already been given meaningful minutes in recent weeks, and that's a trend that will only continue as the team's schedule nears the final turn.