KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The most interesting development regarding the Kansas City Chiefs from Sunday night's Pro Bowl is that linebacker Justin Houston didn't play.

Houston's contract is scheduled to expire in March. Danny Parkins of Kansas City radio station KCSP was in Arizona covering the game. He reported via Twitter that Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali said Houston didn't play because he wanted to remain healthy heading into his contract negotiations.

Parkins later tweeted that Houston denied this, saying he was sick.

Nobody could blame Houston for skipping the game for contract reasons. As the NFL's sack leader, he will get a lucrative long-term contract from the Chiefs if the sides can work something out. An injury can only ruin the financial possibilities for him.

But Houston went through the week of practice. If he had no intention of playing in the game, he should have skipped the entire week and let another player take his place.

The other three Chiefs did participate for Team Cris Carter, which lost 32-28 to Team Michael Irvin. Running back Jamaal Charles had four carries for 25 yards, including a 17-yard run that set up a Team Carter touchdown.

Hali had a tackle and an assist. Nose tackle Dontari Poe had two tackles.