Houston Texans wide receiver Justin Watson (concussion) didn't practice all week and has officially been ruled out for Sunday's Divisional Round game against the New England Patriots. Watson suffered a concussion in Monday night's Wild-Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. If the Texans advance to the AFC Championship next weekend, Watson won't be guaranteed to be ready to return. In addition to Watson being out, the Texans will also be without top receiver Nico Collins, who also suffered a concussion on Monday against the Steelers. Rookie Jayden Higgins and Christian Kirk, who had 144 receiving yards on Monday, should be the team's top two receivers, with rookie Jaylin Noel and Xavier Hutchinson also having elevated roles on offense.
Jan 16, 2026 4:23 PM EST
Houston Texans wide receiver Justin Watson (concussion) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday, according to the team. Watson suffered a concussion in Monday night's Wild-Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and wasn't able to return. The 29-year-old is in the league's concussion protocol and is trending as unlikely to play this Sunday in the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the New England Patriots. Top wideout Nico Collins (concussion) is in the same boat as Watson and hasn't practiced this week. It means the Texans' receiving corps will most likely be short-handed this weekend, with rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, Christian Kirk, and Xavier Hutchinson all seeing bigger roles. Tight end Dalton Schultz will also have a higher fantasy ceiling with more targets available. Even when fully healthy, Watson is too far down the WR depth chart to matter for fantasy purposes.
Jan 15, 2026 7:23 PM EST
Houston Texans wide receiver Justin Watson (concussion) was unable to practice with the team on Wednesday after suffering a concussion in Monday night's Wild-Card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. On a short week, Watson should probably be considered doubtful to be available in the Divisional Round on Sunday against the hosting New England Patriots. The 29-year-old pass-catcher only played in three games in 2025 in his first year in Houston due to injuries, catching three of four targets for 30 yards. Watson wasn't targeted on Monday night before his head injury. In addition to Watson, Texans' top wideout Nico Collins is in the league's concussion protocol and therefore up in the air to play on Sunday. If both Watson and Collins cannot play, there would be more opportunities in the passing game for rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, Christian Kirk, and Xavier Hutchinson.
Jan 14, 2026 5:59 PM EST
Houston Texans wide receiver Justin Watson has been diagnosed with a concussion and will not return to Monday's playoff contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He initially exited during the third quarter and was initially listed as questionable while being evaluated. However, the team later downgraded him to out. Watson, who returned from injured reserve prior to Week 18, had not been targeted before his departure on Monday night. He primarily operates on special teams and does not have much of a role within the Texans' offense. With that being said, his absence, coupled with the departure of Nico Collins (concussion), will test Houston's wide receiver depth going forward. Watson faces an uphill battle to clear the NFL's five-stage concussion protocol over the next six days before the Texans' Divisional Round clash with the New England Patriots.
Jan 12, 2026 11:11 PM EST
Houston Texans wide receiver Justin Watson (head) exited during the third quarter of Monday's playoff contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is being evaluated for a concussion and is officially listed as questionable to return. Watson returned from a calf injury prior to Week 18, but he didn't log a target in the regular season finale. Similarly, he hadn't been targeted before exiting the Wild Card game on Monday night. The 29-year-old is buried on the depth chart at wide receiver, and most of his contributions come on special teams. It's worth noting that Houston suddenly finds itself shorthanded at the position after Nico Collins (head) was taken to the locker room to be evaluated for a concussion, too.
Jan 12, 2026 10:47 PM EST
The Houston Texans announced on Monday that they activated wide receiver Justin Watson (calf) from Injured Reserve. Watson will be eligible to play in the team's Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, but it's unclear if he'll actually be active. The Texans activating the 29-year-old this week ensures that they'll have him available for their playoff run as additional receiving depth behind Nico Collins, rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, and slot man Christian Kirk. Watson had played in only two games with Houston before landing on IR, catching three of his four targets for 30 yards. The eight-year vet probably isn't going to be a huge part of the Texans' offense the rest of the way, barring an injury to a receiver ahead of him on the depth chart.
Dec 29, 2025 5:35 PM EST
The Houston Texans have opened the practice windows for tight end Harrison Bryant (neck) and wide receiver Justin Watson (Achilles, calf). Bryant and Watson both returned to practice on Wednesday and could suit up on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, depending on how they do in practice this week. The 27-year-old Bryant should slide back in alongside Cade Stover as the Texans' primary backup tight ends behind Dalton Schultz. Bryant played 25.7% of the snaps on offense and recorded two catches for seven yards on six targets over eight games before his injury. Watson played in the first two games this season before being placed on Injured Reserve. The 29-year-old had a role in the offense, playing 49.1% of the snaps and hauling in three of his four targets for 30 yards. It remains to be seen how he'll be integrated back into the offense with the emergence of rookie Jayden Higgins in recent weeks. Neither Bryant nor Watson profiles as a fantasy option worth considering in most leagues.
Dec 10, 2025 5:03 PM EST
The Houston Texans placed wide receiver Justin Watson (Achilles, calf) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday, according to the team's official website. Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports is reporting that Watson is dealing with an Achilles/calf injury, but it's not a tear, so he could potentially return later this season. The good news for Houston is that both receivers Christian Kirk (hamstring) and Braxton Berrios (hamstring) are expected to play in Week 3 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. For now, the 29-year-old Watson will have to miss at least the next four games. Watson wasn't on the fantasy radar anywhere to begin with, even with Kirk and Berrios missing the first two weeks of the season. Watson had three catches on four targets for 30 yards in the first two contests of 2025 before getting injured.
Sep 17, 2025 12:29 PM EST
The Houston Texans are signing Kansas City Chiefs free-agent wide receiver Justin Watson to an undisclosed deal on Monday, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Texans also added former Miami Dolphins wideout Braxton Berrios on Monday for additional receiver depth behind starter Nico Collins. Stefon Diggs (knee) is a pending free agent, and Tank Dell (knee) could miss all of the 2025 season following a gruesome knee injury in 2024. In addition to Berrios and Watson, the Texans added Christian Kirk (collarbone) in a trade with the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars last week. The 28-year-old Watson will probably serve as Houston's No. 3 receiver, at best, in 2025 if both Collins and Kirk are healthy. The former fifth-rounder by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018 out of Pennsylvania had 289 receiving yards and two TDs on 22 catches in 17 regular-season games with KC a year ago.
Mar 10, 2025 6:35 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson is coming off arguably his best performance of the season. The 28-year-old hauled in both his targets for 60 yards and a touchdown during last week's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Before that, Watson has been held to 43 receiving yards or less in every game this season. Watson is normally depth, but might see a bigger role if the Chiefs decide to rest or pull their starters out early in Week 18. It's also worth noting that Carson Wentz will be under center for the Chiefs during their Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Watson doesn't offer much value on a weekly basis and playing with a backup quarterback against a tough secondary isn't going to help. Fantasy managers should be able to find a better option for Week 18.
Jan 4, 2025 6:55 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson caught two passes for 60 yards and a touchdown in the 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day. The 28-year-old grew up just outside of Pittsburgh, so he got to score in his homecoming game. Watson received just two targets in this game but ended up third on the team in receiving yardage due to a 49-yard chunk play. Despite finding the endzone in this contest, Watson is typically the fourth or fifth option on any given play. His lack of volume in the passing game leads to volatility, but Watson has proven he can break off a big play in any game. The Chiefs clinched the top seed in the AFC with their Christmas Day win, meaning they no longer need to start their stars in the regular season. Watson and the rest of the supporting cast could see more playing time in Week 18 against the Denver Broncos.
Dec 26, 2024 4:55 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson caught one pass for six yards and a touchdown in the 19-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The Chiefs nearly let this game slip away, but the Raiders shot themselves in the foot with a last-minute fumble to lose the game. In this contest, Watson was targeted three times but only came down with one reception in the endzone. Watson will look to score again next week against the Los Angeles Chargers, who rank 13th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. Despite scoring his first touchdown of the season in this week's matchup, Watson is not involved enough to warrant any fantasy consideration moving forward. Fantasy managers should leave him on the waiver wire.
Nov 30, 2024 4:34 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson brought in 1-of-2 targets for 15 yards in the team's 30-27 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Carolina made it a game in this one, giving the Chiefs all they could handle up until the end of the fourth quarter. However, KC still held on, yet again winning a game in the waning seconds of regulation. Despite recording a 60% snap-share or better in seven of his last eight appearances, Watson has registered more than 26 receiving yards just twice in that stretch. He's averaging an abysmal 1.64 receptions and 19.8 receiving yards through 11 games in 2024. Despite another exploitable matchup in Week 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders at home, the 28-year-old will not be a recommended option.
Nov 25, 2024 2:14 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson should not be relied upon in any fantasy format this weekend when the Chiefs face the Carolina Panthers. Even with Rashee Rice (knee) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) both missing time, Watson has been unable to enjoy any consistency in the Kansas City offense. Since Week 7, Watson has averaged just 2.4 targets per game with an average of 4.5 PPR points per game during this span. In addition, this past weekend, during their loss to the Buffalo Bills, Watson saw his snap count drop significantly as he saw 49 in Week 10 but a mere 30 in Week 11. Until Watson can see stable targets and opportunities, fantasy managers should continue to leave Watson on the waiver wire.
Nov 23, 2024 2:58 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson could find himself with a larger role on offense going forward. The Chiefs are going to be shorthanded for some time after Rashee Rice (knee) went down on Sunday. The expectation is that rookie Xavier Worthy and tight end Travis Kelce are going to be the focal points in the receiving game. However, Watson might end up seeing more work as well. He hauled in two of his three targets for 27 yards during Sunday's win. Watson knows the offense well and finished with nearly 500 yards in a part-time role last season. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Chiefs give Watson more responsibility with the team limited on offensive weapons. Fantasy managers shouldn't rush to add Watson, but keep him on their radar, especially in deep leagues.
Oct 1, 2024 9:51 PM EST
The early beneficiary of Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown's (shoulder) injury in training camp practices has been Justin Watson, who is taking many of the snaps that would have gone to Brown. Watson last year was tied for second among the team's receivers in catches with 27. With Brown's status up in the air for Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens, KC may have to keep seven receivers to open the year. Others competing for roster spots include Mecole Hardman, Skyy Moore, Nikko Remigio and Justyn Ross. Hardman, Moore and Ross played for the Chiefs last year, but none of them were very consistent. Watson will see increased chances with Brown out, but rookie Xavier Worthy will be asked to be the team's big-play wideout, and he's the much better late-round target for fantasy managers.
Aug 14, 2024 1:22 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson (foot) left training camp practice early on Wednesday with a foot injury, according to multiple reporters on the scene. The 28-year-old wideout is entering his third year with the Chiefs. He finished third on the team in 2023 with 460 yards on 27 receptions while scoring three touchdowns, and he should once again be a key offensive piece for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, especially with second-year pass-catcher Rashee Rice facing a potential lengthy suspension. With rookie first-round wideout Xavier Worthy (illness) missing his third straight practice on Wednesday, the Chiefs are a little short-handed at the position early in camp. While Watson has been reliable when on the field for KC, he can be left to the waiver wire to begin the year in most fantasy leagues.
Jul 24, 2024 1:18 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson looks set for an expanded role in the regular-season finale versus the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs have ruled out top wideout Rashee Rice (hamstring) for Week 18, and Travis Kelce probably won't be out there for his usual amount of playing time. 2023 has easily been Watson's most productive season, banking career-high figures in targets (52), catches (27), yards (460), and touchdowns (three). The 27-year-old's calling card is his ability as a vertical threat, ranking second in the league in average yards of target distance (17.8) and fifth in yards per reception (17.0). Watson has played just 52.3% of K.C.'s offensive snaps this year, but he could be in line for his largest workload as a dart-throw DFS option with the team shorthanded on Sunday.
Jan 7, 2024 12:28 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson was expected to have a bigger role in the passing attack in the Week 17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals with Kadarius Toney (hip) sidelined for the second straight game. Watson ended up catching one of his three targets, although it was a big play and went for a gain of 41 yards to put him second behind rookie Rashee Rice (127) in receiving yards on the day. With Toney out in last week's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, Watson caught four of six targets for 38 yards and a touchdown. It's been really hard to trust any Chiefs pass-catchers in fantasy this year not named Rice or Travis Kelce. Watson has had career-highs in catches (27), receiving yards (460) and touchdowns (three), but he's also caught one or fewer passes in seven of his 15 games played.
Jan 1, 2024 4:07 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson (illness) did not participate in the team's practice on Wednesday. Watson is currently dealing with an illness, but he still has four days to recover before the Chiefs take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17. The 27-year-old wideout is coming off a solid game, where he caught four passes for 38 yards and one touchdown last week. The four catches and 38 receiving yards are his most since Week 11. If the five-year vet recovers from the illness and suits up this weekend, he should only be considered in fantasy in extremely deep formats.
Dec 28, 2023 12:18 AM EST
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