KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City Chiefs have taken a significant step to bolster their injury-stricken secondary by signing veteran cornerback Steven Nelson to their practice squad. Nelson, who has an extensive nine-season career in the NFL, has come out of retirement to lend his experience and skill to the team.
The Chiefs have faced challenges in their secondary, particularly with the loss of starting cornerback Jaylen Watson due to a broken ankle. With Nazeeh Johnson recently benched and Joshua Williams exiting Sunday night’s match against the Los Angeles Chargers due to a shoulder injury, the Chiefs are in urgent need of depth in their defensive backfield.
At just 31 years old, Nelson’s history with the Chiefs dates back to 2015 when he was selected as a third-round draft pick. Over his four seasons with Kansas City, he started in 38 games before moving on to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Houston Texans. He boasts an impressive record, including 115 career starts and 13 interceptions.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid praised Nelson’s past contributions, emphasizing his ability to develop into a reliable starting cornerback in the league. “He was a good player when he was here… it was the ability to add a little depth to that spot,” Reid noted.
This move signifies a proactive approach by the Chiefs to address their current defensive challenges and could provide much-needed support for their secondary as they navigate the rest of the season. Nelson’s return to the Chiefs not only brings experience but also reflects a commitment to strengthening the team’s defensive lineup for future games.
Overall, the Chiefs are positioning themselves to remain competitive and resilient despite injuries, which could lead to a stronger performance as the season progresses.