The Kansas City Chiefs have added depth to their injury-hit secondary by signing veteran cornerback Steven Nelson to their practice squad. Nelson, 31, ended his retirement to return to the team that originally drafted him.
Chiefs face secondary struggles
The Chiefs’ secondary has been plagued by injuries this season. Starting cornerback Jaylen Watson suffered a broken ankle midway through the year, leaving a significant gap.
Nazeeh Johnson, Watson’s initial replacement, was benched in favor of Joshua Williams, who also exited Sunday night’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers with a chest injury.
With limited options, the Chiefs turned to Nelson, a seasoned player familiar with their system.
Nelson’s journey in the NFL
The Chiefs drafted Nelson in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Over four seasons in Kansas City, he started 38 games. After leaving the Chiefs, Nelson played two seasons each with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, along with one season for the Philadelphia Eagles.
In his nine-year career, Nelson has started 115 games and recorded 13 interceptions and 78 passes defensed. His most recent stint was with the Texans in 2023, where he played all 17 games, starting 16. He logged 63 tackles, defended 12 passes, and grabbed four interceptions.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid praised Nelson’s career, saying:
“He was a good player when he was here. He had the ability to return and play corner, and he developed into a starting corner in the league. He had a nice career for the last nine years. Adding him gives us some needed depth.”
Why the Chiefs need Steven Nelson
The Chiefs’ secondary depth has been tested throughout the season. Losing Watson and the uncertainty surrounding Williams leave the team shorthanded as they approach a crucial stretch of games. Nelson’s experience and familiarity with the organization make him a strategic addition.
The Chiefs are set to face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Dec. 15. With Nelson now part of the practice squad, the team hopes to stabilize their defensive backfield and maintain momentum in the AFC playoff race.
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