KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A veteran wide receiver with familiarity in the Kansas City Chiefs organization is signing a deal to join Kansas City’s practice squad, according to several reports.
On Monday, ESPN and NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport announced that the Chiefs and veteran wide receiver Justin Watson have agreed to terms on a practice squad deal. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed the reports Monday during a press conference.
“He was a good player for us when he was here,” Reid said of Watson. “He obviously can run fast, and he’s got great size. He’s willing to do everything. He knows the offense. He’s a smart kid. So we felt like he could come back in and, as needed, contribute and step in and go. With just a slight review, he should be fine and good to go.”
Watson, 30, returns to Kansas City after a stint in Houston in 2025. He played three games for the Texans before going on injured reserve and missing the remainder of the season with a calf and Achilles tendon injury.
The time in Houston came after Watson spent the 2022-24 seasons in Kansas City, winning two Super Bowls and returning to another with the Chiefs. As a Chief, Watson has totaled 64 receptions for 1,064 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns over 50 games.
Watson’s signing comes after Kansas City’s biggest downfield threat, wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, suffered a dislocated ankle in the Chiefs’ 30-27 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson is congratulated by teammate Xavier Worthy (1) after scoring on a 2-point conversion during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(Charlie Riedel | AP)
With Watson joining the practice squad, it remains to be seen which practice squad wide receiver will replace Thornton on Kansas City’s active roster on Sunday when the Chiefs take on the Los Angeles Chargers (0-5) at 3:25 p.m. CT.
Watson joins a practice squad that includes second-year wide receiver Andrew Armstrong and rookie wide receiver Omari Evans.
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