The Chiefs have placed defensive end Jaye Howard on injured reserve, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN (Twitter link). Howard, who has been dealing with a hip injury, will miss at least eight weeks. But with running back Jamaal Charles also on IR and seemingly a strong candidate to return this season, it’s likely Howard is done for the year.
The loss of Howard is a notable blow to a Chiefs defense that also saw fellow lineman Allen Bailey head to IR earlier this season. Howard hasn’t suited up since the team’s win over the Jaguars on Nov. 6, though, and the Chiefs have gone 2-1 since – including a crucial win over AFC West rival Denver last Sunday.
Howard, 27, appeared in eight games (five starts) this season, amassing 18 tackles and a sack, after re-signing with the Chiefs on a two-year, $12MM deal last winter. He currently ranks as Pro Football Focus‘ 53rd-best interior D-lineman among 122 qualifiers. Kansas City, which is 8-3 and ranks 13th in defensive DVOA, will go forward with Kendall Reyes starting in Howard’s spot.