Chiefs WR Justin Watson could be asked to step in against former team

It's early in the season, and the Kansas City Chiefs still are trying to find ways to get their new players involved in the offense.

Three weeks in, the Chiefs know what they have in Travis Kelce and Co. It's the new guys they are still figuring out.

This week, Marquez Valdez-Scantling missed practice Thursday but returned Friday. If Valdez-Scantling were to miss time, the Chiefs could turn to another new guy who is a familiar face to the opposing team.

Justin Watson spent four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is returning to the only other place he has called home in the NFL this weekend when the Chiefs battle the Buccaneers on Sunday night. Watson recorded 23 receptions with two touchdowns during his time with Tampa, and most of that came in 2019.

The Bucs wide receiver room was loaded the past two years, so it's easy to see why Watson was buried on the depth chart. He signed with the Chiefs this offseason and immediately showed promise throughout the summer and into the preseason. His playmaking ability helped land him the final roster spot out wide, and when needed, Watson delivered.

Mecole Hardman had to come off the field against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2 and Watson replaced him. Patrick Mahomes hit the 6-foot-3 receiver on a 41-yard strike to the end zone soon after.

Watson has had limited opportunities so far with the Chiefs. It might be a perfect time to see what they have in the fifth-year pro as he goes up against his old team in prime time. But if not, maybe it's because the other new guys are contributing.