The Kansas City Chiefs have placed wide receiver Tyquan Thornton on injured reserve after he suffered a dislocated left ankle during their Week 4 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Head coach Andy Reid confirmed the move as the team prepares for their Week 6 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Thornton had caught a 55-yard pass before the injury and had accumulated 219 receiving yards and two touchdowns in four games. His absence removes one of quarterback Patrick Mahomes’s reliable targets heading into Sunday’s matchup. The Chiefs have started the season 4-0, while the Chargers sit winless at 0-5.
To compensate, the Chiefs elevated linebacker Cam Jones from the practice squad and signed wide receiver Justin Watson back to the practice squad, according to ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler via X. Jones will add depth behind starters Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill, also contributing on special teams.
Watson’s return brings a familiar face to the Chiefs’ receiving corps. He played for Kansas City from 2022 through 2024 and won two Super Bowls with the franchise. After spending the 2025 season with the Houston Texans, Watson was released during the 2026 preseason. His knowledge of Reid’s offense and experience with Mahomes could allow for a quick adjustment if promoted to the active roster, though the Chiefs have yet to announce any elevation for Sunday.
The roster moves come as a practical response to Thornton’s injury rather than a wide-scale change. With the AFC West schedule expected to become more competitive, maintaining depth on both offense and defense remains important for Kansas City’s pursuit of a strong regular season.
Thornton’s injury is a setback for the Chiefs, who have relied on his speed and big-play ability. Watson’s addition provides another option but does not immediately fill the gap, as he remains on the practice squad for now. Jones’s promotion strengthens the linebacker group, which already features Bolton and Tranquill as key contributors.
The Chiefs enter the Chargers game aiming to extend their unbeaten start despite the challenges posed by injuries. The Chargers, meanwhile, are still searching for their first win, adding urgency to what could be a critical AFC West contest on Sunday.
No further roster changes have been confirmed by the Chiefs ahead of the game.
According to Yahoo Sports.
