CHIEFS SIGN FORMER RECEIVER JUSTIN WATSON TO PRACTICE SQUAD

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed receiver Justin Watson to their practice squad, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported, with head coach Andy Reid confirming the move on Monday. The signing addresses a shortage at receiver after Tyquan Thornton dislocated his ankle in Kansas City's 30-27 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on 4 October. Thornton's recovery is expected to take three to four months, though reports said a return later in the season remains possible. Rashee Rice is also dealing with a hamstring injury, described as minor. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has led the Chiefs to a 4-0 start this season after returning from a knee injury.

Watson spent three seasons with Kansas City between 2022 and 2024 before signing with the Houston Texans in 2025, where a calf and Achilles injury limited his opportunities. He has won three Super Bowls, two with the Chiefs and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who drafted him in the fifth round, 144th overall, in 2018. During his three regular seasons in Kansas City, Watson recorded 64 receptions for 1,064 yards and seven touchdowns, plus nine catches for 120 yards across three post-seasons. He initially signed a one-year, $1.03 million contract with the Chiefs before agreeing a two-year, $3.4 million extension in 2023.

Reid praised Watson's return, saying he "can run, and he's fast; he has great size" and "knows the offence." The signing was reported alongside speculation linking the Chiefs to a reunion with former receiver Tyreek Hill, with one report suggesting Watson's return makes such a move less likely. Kansas City has not confirmed any plans regarding Hill. The Chiefs' receiving corps remains stretched while Thornton and Rice recover from their injuries.