Chiefs add former receiver Justin Watson as Tyreek Hill rumors swirl

Kansas City brought back Justin Watson to bolster a receiver group hit by injuries, even as reports of a possible Tyreek Hill comeback persist.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 13 Oct 2026 08:02:24 GMT

Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid announced on Monday that wide receiver Justin Watson has rejoined the team’s practice squad, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport on X.

What happened

Watson, who previously spent the 2022‑2024 seasons with the Chiefs, was signed after the club placed multiple receivers on injured reserve. Tyquan Thornton suffered a dislocated left ankle in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders and was moved to IR on Monday. Rashee Rice left the same game with a hamstring strain, and reserve players Jeff Caldwell and Jimmy Holiday are also unavailable. The move adds a familiar player to a receiving corps that has been depleted by injuries.

What the reports add

Sportskeeda noted that Watson won Super Bowl LV with Tampa Bay before earning back‑to‑back titles with Kansas City in Super Bowls LVII and LVIII. The New York Post added that Watson spent the 2025 season in Houston, appearing in two games before an Achilles/calf injury kept him out until the final week, and that he contributed on special teams during the Chiefs’ playoff run. Both outlets reported that the signing was motivated by the injuries to Thornton and Rice, and that speculation about a possible Tyreek Hill return remains ongoing.

What was said

Ian Rapoport wrote on X: “The #Chiefs are adding a familiar face, as WR Justin Watson is joining their practice squad, source says. He was with them from 2022‑2024.” The New York Post quoted a video call with Reid in which he said, “He was a good player for us when he was here. 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.”

How it came about

The Chiefs’ receiving depth was tested early in the season, prompting the front office to seek a player familiar with Andy Reid’s system. Watson’s prior experience with the team and recent free‑agent availability made him a logical choice. The move follows ongoing media chatter about Tyreek Hill, who has been linked to Kansas City amid the injury crisis. Felo’s earlier coverage of Hill’s legal issues (Tyreek Hill’s ex‑wife testifies at civil trial) provides additional context to the heightened interest in his potential return.

Key facts

Justin Watson signed to the Chiefs practice squad on Oct 12, 2026. (sportskeeda.com)
Tyquan Thornton was placed on injured reserve after a dislocated ankle in Week 4. (sportskeeda.com)
Rashee Rice left the same game with a hamstring strain. (sportskeeda.com)
Watson previously played for Kansas City from 2022‑2024 and won three Super Bowls. (sportskeeda.com)
Watson spent 2025 with Houston, missing most of the season due to an Achilles/calf injury. (nypost.com)