The Kansas City Chiefs are rolling to open the 2026 NFL season, remaining one of only three undefeated teams after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6. At 5-0, the Chiefs are in first place in the AFC West and will begin preparing to face the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field next Sunday night.
Although the Chiefs have emerged as the AFC’s strongest team so far, they have dealt with injuries that have created some uncertainty in the wide receiver room. Rashee Rice is working his way back from a hamstring injury he suffered in Week 4, and Tyquan Thornton remains on injured reserve.
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These injuries have forced Kansas City to rely on its depth, and receivers Andrew Armstrong and Justin Watson have both been part of that solution. With Rashee Rice reportedly nearing a return, the team is eventually going to have to decide which of Armstrong or Watson is going to be signed to the 53-man roster for the season.
According to Charles Goldman of AtoZ Sports, head coach Andy Reid was asked about Rice, saying, “I haven’t seen him today… We’ll see where he’s at.”
Reid also said that Andrew Armstrong is a “good football player” and noted that the rookie was right on the cusp of making Kansas City’s 53-man roster out of training camp and the preseason.
Armstrong, an undrafted rookie out of Arkansas, impressed coaches during training camp and led the Chiefs in preseason receiving yards with seven receptions for 85 yards in three preseason games.
Reid’s comments do not guarantee Armstrong a permanent roster spot, but they do demonstrate that the Chiefs likely view him as more than an emergency depth player.
The final piece of the decision between Armstrong and Watson will likely come down to what Kansas City values more from the position. Watson spent three years in Reid’s system from 2022-2024, recording a total of 1,064 yards and seven touchdowns over his three seasons in Kansas City.
Armstrong, however, is younger and made a stronger impression recently during his first career start in Week 6. He caught one pass for 13 yards, but also made a significant impact as a run blocker.
The rookie could have a leg up over Watson to be promoted once Rashee Rice returns, but Kansas City has not made anything official yet.
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