The Kansas City Chiefs have addressed their growing problems at wide receiver, but Tyreek Hill will have to wait longer if he hopes to reunite with Patrick Mahomes.
With injuries affecting Kansas City's offensive depth, the unbeaten Chiefs have decided to bring back Justin Watson, a familiar figure from their championship-winning teams, rather than pursue an immediate agreement with Hill.
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The former Miami Dolphins receiver has repeatedly expressed his determination to return to the NFL after recovering from a devastating knee injury, recently identifying November as his preferred comeback date.
His latest message underlined that confidence, although there is no indication that Kansas City has reached an agreement with him or established a timetable for a potential reunion.
Tyreek Hill makes November promise
Hill hasn't played since suffering a dislocated knee and torn ACL against the New York Jets in September 2025, injuries that required surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
The 32-year-old has acknowledged struggling to regain strength in his left leg, but insists that the difficulties have not diminished his desire to continue his career.
"I just find ways to try to come back and, you know, overcome being complacent with where I am in life and always knowing that there’s more," Hill explained in a recent video.
"You know, God can place it in my heart that I still have more football left… I’ll be ready in November."
A return to Kansas City would reunite Hill with the quarterback and tight end alongside whom he became one of the NFL's most explosive offensive players.
Mahomes previously acknowledged that bringing Hill back would be exciting, while Travis Kelce made his feelings particularly clear.
"That’s out of my hands, but I know I’d love to have ‘The Cheetah’ back in this building," Kelce said.
Kansas City brings back Justin Watson
The Chiefs' decision followed a serious ankle injury suffered by Tyquan Thornton, whose absence created another problem for an offense already dealing with limited receiving depth.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Kansas City would place Thornton on injured reserve, promote linebacker Cam Jones and sign Watson to its practice squad.
Watson offers experience in head coach Andy Reid's system and familiarity with Mahomes, making him an immediate depth option for the 4-0 Chiefs.
His arrival doesn't rule out another move, but it demonstrates that Kansas City is addressing its short-term needs without waiting for Hill's recovery.
Legal uncertainty could complicate Hill's NFL return
Hill's comeback ambitions also face questions beyond his physical condition because of an ongoing civil battery trial involving allegations made by his former wife, Lakeeta Vaccaro.
Hill denies physically abusing Vaccaro, although he acknowledged using abusive language during their marriage and expressed regret while testifying.
"The language, I’m gonna take that all on this end; I’m not proud of that," Hill said. "I am ashamed."
The NFL could also review the allegations independently, meaning Hill's availability may remain uncertain even after he receives medical clearance.
Kansas City hasn't closed the door on a potential reunion, but Watson is the receiver being added now.
Hill, meanwhile, continues working toward November, hoping his next opportunity will bring him back to the NFL.