Chiefs LB Justin Houston: "I feel great"

Houston spoke with the media following Tuesday’s minicamp practice

Jun 13, 2017 at 09:21 AM

It was a sight that Kansas City Chiefs fans wanted to see and perhaps one that AFC West opposing quarterbacks would rather not, as veteran pass rusher Justin Houston was back on the field Tuesday afternoon for the start of the team's three-day minicamp.

A brace-less Houston moved well and showed no effects of a knee issue that caused him to miss most of last season.

"I feel great, now," Houston told the media following practice. "Last year, I couldn't even run at this time. So, it's night-and-day different. I feel great to be able to get up and go and not even think about it."

Houston played in just five games last year and finished with four sacks. He's just three years removed from putting together one of the best seasons for a pass rusher in NFL history, finishing with 22.0 sacks in 2014.

When asked of his mindset right now, Houston made it simple.

"Just embrace the process," he explained. "One step at a time and one day at a time. Each day you focus on getting better and picking out one thing to improve."

As far as what he's individually focused on improving over the offseason, Houston said it's everything. When asked what his expectations are heading into a season healthy, Houston said it's about getting better.

"Like I've said before, the day I feel like I can't get better is the day I'm going to retire," he said. "I know there's plenty I can get better at and be more consistent—every game and every play."

Here's a look at the linebackers, including Derrick Johnson and Justin Houston. pic.twitter.com/cEkCGuLj7U
— BJ Kissel (@ChiefsReporter) June 13, 2017

Houston wasn't the only veteran linebacker with eyes on him during Tuesday's practice, as Derrick Johnson participated in individual drills for the first time this offseason.

Johnson was lost for the season in Week 14 against the Oakland Raiders when he suffered a ruptured Achilles for the second time in three years.

"He looked great," Houston said of Johnson—the franchise's all-time leading tackler. "He looked fast. It was great to see him out there."

The Chiefs return to practice Wednesday afternoon.

Practice notes:

All 90 of the players on the Chiefs roster were in attendance at Tuesday's practice, although tight end Travis Kelce, offensive lineman Parker Ehinger, and linebackers Tamba Hali and Dadi Nicolas stood off to the side and did not participate.

Running back Spencer Ware (hamstring) and cornerback Kenneth Acker (groin) both left practice early with what were considered "slight" injuries.

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