Justin Houston absent on first day of Chiefs’ mandatory minicamp

It wasn’t much a surprise, but Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston was absent Tuesday for the start of the Chiefs’ mandatory minicamp.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Friday that Houston, who is dissatisfied at his lack of a long-term contract, “probably” wouldn’t be in attendance.

Outside linebacker Tamba Hali said Tuesday that he communicated with Houston but he didn’t offer up many hints about his status, unlike a few weeks ago.

“Justin is doing well,” Hali said. “He’s working out, getting himself in shape, preparing to be here.”

Hali was then asked when he communicated with Houston.

“A couple of days ago … I asked him if he was coming and he didn’t reply,” Hali said with a laugh.

The Chiefs have until July 15 to work out a long-term contract with Houston, who has been offered a one-year, $13.1 million franchise tender by the Chiefs.

As a nonexclusive franchise player, other teams can offer Houston a contract that the Chiefs could choose to either match or reject. If they were to reject, the Chiefs would receive two first-round picks from the team that signs Houston.

Dorsey — not to mention chairman Clark Hunt and coach Andy Reid — have consistently been optimistic regarding Houston’s future in Kansas City.

“We’ve said all along that Justin is a great football player, he really is,” Dorsey said in April. “I foresee him not going anywhere in the future.”

This story was originally published June 16, 2015 at 4:12 PM with the headline "Justin Houston absent on first day of Chiefs’ mandatory minicamp."