The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back a familiar target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, signing veteran wideout Justin Watson to their practice squad following injuries to their receiving corps. Head coach Andy Reid confirmed the move Monday, as Kansas City prepares for its upcoming divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers following their bye week.

Watson previously played for the Chiefs from 2022 through 2024 after being selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. During his initial Kansas City tenure, the 30-year-old appeared in 50 regular-season games, compiling 64 receptions on 119 targets for 1,064 yards and seven touchdowns. He also was part of the franchise's back-to-back Super Bowl championship runs in 2023 and 2024.

The 30-year-old became a reliable downfield option for Mahomes. Watson averaged 16.6 yards per reception with the Chiefs, while his average depth of target reached 17.2 yards. During his time with Kansas City, 49 of his 64 catches came on passes traveling at least 10 yards downfield, according to Pro Football Focus.

Watson spent the 2025 season with the Houston Texans after leaving the Chiefs in free agency. However, a calf and Achilles injury limited his opportunities, keeping him on injured reserve for most of the campaign. He recorded three catches across three appearances for the Texans and also contributed on special teams during the playoffs before becoming a free agent.

Kansas City's decision to reunite with Watson follows wide receiver Tyquan Thornton's dislocated ankle injury during the Chiefs' Week 4 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Reid indicated that Thornton would be placed on injured reserve, with the 26-year-old expected to miss an extended period.

Kansas City will need additional contributions from its younger receivers as Thornton recovers. Xavier Worthy remains a go-to option, while rookie Cyrus Allen and second-year receivers Jalen Royals could receive expanded opportunities. Allen has played in all four games but has been targeted only twice, whereas Royals has three catches for 17 yards and a touchdown this season.

Article Continues Below

Watson's return provides the Chiefs with an experienced receiver who already understands Reid's offensive system and has proven chemistry with Mahomes. However, his signing to the practice squad does not automatically guarantee a place on the active roster for Sunday's game.

Under NFL practice-squad rules, Watson can be elevated to the game-day roster a maximum of three times before Kansas City must keep him on the practice squad or sign him to its 53-man roster.