Chiefs Sign Justin Watson to Rebuild Their Receiving Depth

The Kansas City Chiefs have brought wide receiver Justin Watson back to the organization as they address injuries in their receiving corps during the 2026 NFL season. Head coach Andy Reid confirmed Monday that Watson had signed with the practice squad, reuniting the 30-year-old receiver with Patrick Mahomes and the coaching staff after his previous stint in Kansas City from 2022 through 2024.

According to NBC Sports, Watson had been a free agent since the Houston Texans released him at the end of August. His return comes after Tyquan Thornton suffered a dislocated ankle and Rashee Rice sustained a hamstring injury during Kansas City's 30-27 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4, creating a need for additional receiving depth.

Watson originally entered the NFL as a fifth-round selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2018 NFL Draft. According to The Kansas City Star, he played 50 regular-season games for the Chiefs across three seasons, recording 64 receptions for 1,064 yards and seven touchdowns.

His previous experience in Andy Reid's offense gives Kansas City a receiver familiar with the team's system. Watson also contributed during three postseason runs with the Chiefs, recording nine catches for 120 yards and helping the franchise capture two Super Bowl championships.

The Chiefs had explored bringing Watson back as they prepared to resume team activities following their bye week. The Kansas City Star reported on October 11 that the receiver was scheduled to visit the team Monday, a move that preceded Reid's confirmation of the practice-squad signing.

Thornton's injury has raised concerns about Kansas City's ability to stretch opposing defenses vertically. Before his injury, he averaged 19.9 yards per reception, according to analysis published by Arrowhead Pride. His absence leaves the Chiefs needing other receivers to provide a consistent downfield threat.

Xavier Worthy remains another option with top-end speed, although Arrowhead Pride noted that his performances had been inconsistent during the 2026 season. The publication also reported that Kansas City could continue evaluating potential additions as the NFL trade deadline approaches.

One possible trade target, Marvin Harrison Jr., is no longer available to Kansas City after the Arizona Cardinals agreed to send him to the Houston Texans. According to Arrowhead Pride, the reported package included a 2027 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick, along with an additional component not fully specified in the available report.

Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud, who previously played alongside Harrison at Ohio State, addressed the acquisition after the trade was announced.

"You want to know more? I don't know what more I can tell you," Stroud said with a smile.

Stroud also expressed enthusiasm about adding the receiver to Houston's roster.

"I think he's a great guy, think he's a great player, and I'm excited to get him here." Stroud said.

Watson's return provides Kansas City with a familiar option while the team manages its injury concerns. The practice-squad agreement does not, by itself, establish when he will join the active roster or how extensively he will feature in the offense.

The Chiefs are scheduled to host the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday as they resume their season following the bye week, according to The Kansas City Star.