Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed that Harrison Butker will remain the team's kicker for Sunday's road game against the Denver Broncos, despite Butker's struggles through the first seven weeks of the season.
Butker has converted just 11 of 16 field goal attempts this season, a 68.8% rate that is the lowest of his career. He missed two attempts in last week's 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Special teams coordinator Dave Toub emphasized that the organization is focused on helping Butker regain his form. "Butker is our kicker," Toub said. "We're trying to improve Butker. We're trying to get Butker right. That's what this whole thing is about."
To that end, the Chiefs signed free agent Justin Tucker to the practice squad this week. Tucker, an eight-time All-Pro, did not play in the 2025 season while serving a 10-game suspension following an investigation into alleged inappropriate behavior during massage sessions. He became eligible to sign ahead of the 2026 season.
Tucker participated in a 30-kick tryout that included 10 extra points, seven field goals from beyond 50 yards, and one 60-yard attempt. He made all 30 kicks, with 60% landing inside a six-foot cylinder at the center of the uprights. "Somebody that's struggling is not able to put the ball with that kind of accuracy at 30 kicks," Toub said. "He was off-the-charts good. That's the reason why we signed him to the practice squad."
Toub also noted that Butker went 10-for-10 on field goal attempts at Wednesday's practice despite 28-mph wind gusts. The addition of Tucker is intended not only as a backup option but also as a mentor for Butker, given Tucker's own recent experience with accuracy issues.
Tucker will not handle kicking duties against the Broncos, but his presence provides the Chiefs with a proven alternative should Butker's struggles continue.
