Chiefs Sign Justin Watson to Practice Squad

The Kansas City Chiefs are welcoming back a familiar face at wide receiver, and it’s not necessarily the one fans were expecting.

On Monday, head coach Andy Reid confirmed that the team has signed Justin Watson to their practice squad.

Watson previously played for the Chiefs from 2022 to 2024 before moving on to the Houston Texans in free agency in 2025. However, his time there was cut short after he sustained an Achilles/calf injury, which sidelined him until the final week of the season. He also contributed to the special teams during the playoffs.

“He was a good player for us when he was here,” Reid remarked to reporters during a video call after the bye week. “Obviously, he can run, and he’s fast; he has great size. He’s willing to do everything; he knows the offense; he’s a smart kid.”

This signing comes after wide receiver Tyquan Thornton was placed on injured reserve due to a serious dislocated left ankle injury he suffered in Week 4, ruling him out for at least the next four games.

There are also whispers about the potential return of Tyreek Hill following Thornton’s injury. Reportedly, The Athletic’s Michael Silver noted that the Chiefs had contacted Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, regarding the prospect of bringing Hill back into the fold. Yet, Hill is currently entangled in several legal issues.

In fact, Hill had posted a cryptic “hm” on social media right after Thornton got injured, fueling speculation. He was part of the Chiefs when they won Super Bowl LIV in 2020 before being traded to the Miami Dolphins, where he signed a four-year extension in 2022.

Though he suffered a significant knee injury last season and was let go by Miami, Hill is aiming for a November return to the field, contingent on finding a new team. However, his ongoing contentious divorce from Keeta Vaccaro, which includes troubling allegations, might complicate his status further.