ARLINGTON, Texas -- Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali didn't look like he is 34 years old and fresh off the physical unable to perform list on one of his first plays of the season. He bull-rushed one of the NFL's best left tackles, Tyron Smith of the Dallas Cowboys, with such strength that Smith drew a holding penalty.

It was a defensive highlight for the Chiefs in their 28-17 loss on Sunday. Their struggling defense could use some help, and while Hali didn't play a lot, he still looked like he's capable of providing it.

"It felt great being out there," Hali said. "I've been working the whole offseason, so I felt good. I watch our games and usually we take a lead. I was hoping that would happen so I would get a chance to rush a lot. It was fun to be out there."

Hali hadn't practiced or played all season while on the PUP list because of soreness in his knees. He started to practice on Thursday, and as recently as Friday coach Andy Reid sounded pessimistic about Hali's chance of playing against the Cowboys.

But they moved him to the active roster on Saturday.

Tamba Hali during the Chiefs' playoff game in January -- the last time he had played until Sunday. Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire

"We evaluated him after the last practice just to see about the swelling in his knee, if we could keep it out of his knee," Reid said. "We didn't know at that time. I was leery on it, that he would be able to do that. He was able to, so we played him.

"I thought he did some good things early. There's no way at this time of the year of getting good, accurate reps other than playing. He's going to have to do that in games. We'll see going forward how it works for him."

Hali didn't practice for the Chiefs last year at training camp but returned in time to play a full regular season. That was the original plan for him over the summer, but his return was delayed until Sunday.

"I was just sitting and waiting," he said. "I didn't know when I would come back. That's just how it was the entire time. Coach told me to hang in there. [General manager Brett] Veach did a great job speaking to me, and saying, 'Hey, keep working out, we really appreciate you coming in and working out every day. We're going to need you down the stretch."'

The Chiefs, who statistically have one of the NFL's worst defensive teams, have a need for a pass-rusher and playmaker like Hali has been for most of his 12-season NFL career. He has 89.5 sacks, which is tied for 44th on the NFL's all-time list. They also have a need at his position. The Chiefs played without one of their starting outside linebackers, Dee Ford, who has a back injury.

"I don't know," Hali said when asked whether he thought he could eventually play a full role. "I just know I can play. I'm here to help the team. Whatever I can present to the opposing team to help our team, that's what I expect."