Kansas City Chiefs rule out WR Jeremy Maclin, DE Jaye Howard, LB Justin Houston

The Kansas City Chiefs ruled out wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and defensive end Jaye Howard for Sunday's game at the Carolina Panthers.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid also said Friday that Justin Houston probably will be "out" as well, meaning the outside linebacker must wait another week to make his 2016 debut.

Houston has not played since suffering a knee injury against the Buffalo Bills last season. He had surgery in February to repair a balky left ACL and was activated this week from the physically unable to perform list.

Reid said he would talk to Houston before making a final decision, saying there have been "no setbacks" in the star linebacker's recovery. Houston recorded 22 sacks in 2014 and had 7.5 sacks last year before being knocked out of the last five regular-season games with the knee injury.

Maclin did not practice this week because of a groin injury. He ranks second on the team with 30 catches for 376 yards, along with two touchdowns.

Howard did not practice all week with a hip injury. He has played in all eight games, starting five, with 24 tackles and one sack.