The Kansas City Chiefs have made another decision that raises questions about Tyreek Hill's potential return, promoting wide receiver Andrew Armstrong from the practice squad to the 53-man roster ahead of their Week 7 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.
Armstrong's promotion gives Kansas City another option at a position that has been hit hard by injuries.
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With Rashee Rice expected to miss a second consecutive game and Tyquan Thornton on injured reserve, the Chiefs have important decisions to make about how they fill the gaps in their receiving corps.
The move followed the placement of left tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve, which opened a spot on the active roster. Kansas City confirmed both transactions on October 23, also bringing running back Nate Carter back to its practice squad.
Although the decision could be interpreted as a sign that the Chiefs are prioritizing their existing options rather than immediately bringing in an established veteran, it does not definitively rule out a deal for Hill.
The former Kansas City star remains a free agent, and reports earlier this month indicated that the franchise had explored the possibility of reuniting with him.
Nevertheless, Armstrong's promotion is significant because it gives the Chiefs another opportunity to evaluate a young receiver who has already shown that he can contribute at the NFL level.
Andrew Armstrong earns his chance as Kansas City deals with injuries
Armstrong made his regular-season debut against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6 after being elevated from the practice squad.
The undrafted rookie out of Arkansas caught one pass for 13 yards on two targets, while playing 42 offensive snaps and nine on special teams.
His contribution extended beyond the receiving statistics. Armstrong, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 210 pounds, impressed with his willingness to block on the perimeter and help create opportunities for the running game.
That kind of work can be valuable to a coaching staff, particularly when injuries force a team to rely on less experienced players. Armstrong now has a chance to build on that performance and establish himself as a regular part of Kansas City's plans.
The timing is important. Rice is dealing with a hamstring injury, while Thornton's dislocated ankle has left his availability uncertain for the remainder of the season.
Those absences leave the Chiefs needing additional contributions from Xavier Worthy, Jaylen Royals, rookie Cyrus Allen and Armstrong.
Rather than immediately making a major addition, Kansas City has opted to give Armstrong a permanent place on the active roster. That decision may reflect confidence in his development, although the team could still explore other options as the season progresses.
Why Tyreek Hill remains a complicated possibility
Hill's potential return has attracted attention because of his history with the Chiefs and the team's current need for receiving help.
The 32-year-old spent his first six NFL seasons in Kansas City after being selected in the fifth round of the 2016 draft.
He became one of the league's most dangerous offensive weapons, earning multiple All-Pro selections and helping the Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV before being traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2022.
After leaving Miami, Hill continued to produce at a high level, but his 2025 season ended prematurely when he suffered a serious knee injury that included a torn ACL and other ligament damage.
The Dolphins released him during the offseason, leaving him available to sign with another team.
Earlier in October, reports indicated that Kansas City had shown interest in bringing Hill back once he was healthy enough to play. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, had also been in discussions with teams about a possible return to the NFL.
Hill was reportedly targeting a comeback around November, although his recovery remained a key consideration.
A reunion would make sense on paper given Kansas City's injuries at wide receiver. Hill's familiarity with the organization and his previous connection with quarterback Patrick Mahomes would potentially make the transition easier than signing a player unfamiliar with the system.
However, his medical situation complicates the decision. The Chiefs would need confidence that Hill could contribute effectively after such a serious injury, rather than simply adding a recognizable name to the roster.
There is also a difference between promoting a young player to address an immediate roster vacancy and deciding whether to invest in a veteran whose availability remains uncertain.
The Seahawks game could shape Kansas City's next decision
Armstrong now has an opportunity to strengthen his case against a Seattle defense that has been particularly difficult for opposing passing attacks during the 2026 season.
Kansas City will need its receivers to make contributions in different ways, especially if Mahomes has fewer established targets available.
Armstrong's blocking could help the running game, while any production as a receiver would give the coaching staff another reason to keep him involved.
The Chiefs have also had to manage other roster considerations, including the potential return of linebacker Cooper McDonald and the need for additional depth at running back.
Those competing demands make every roster spot important as the team prepares for Sunday Night Football.
For now, Armstrong's promotion does not confirm that Kansas City has abandoned the possibility of signing Hill. It does, however, show that the Chiefs are willing to address their immediate needs with players already within the organization.
If Armstrong delivers another encouraging performance against Seattle, the Chiefs could feel more comfortable with their current group. If the receiving corps continues to struggle, the pressure to consider outside help could grow.
Hill's return remains uncertain, and Kansas City's latest move should not be treated as a definitive rejection of the idea.
But with Armstrong now on the 53-man roster, the Chiefs have taken a practical step toward strengthening their receiving depth without waiting for a veteran comeback to become possible.