Kansas City — The Kansas City Chiefs are taking immediate action to shore up their special‑teams unit after veteran kicker Harrison Butker has struggled early in the 2026 NFL season. Butker has converted just 11 of 16 field‑goal attempts so far and went 1‑for‑3 in the recent loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
In the Seahawks game, Butker missed a 58‑yard attempt as time expired in the first half and later missed a 45‑yard try wide right in the fourth quarter. Since the start of last year, he has missed 15 kicks overall, raising concerns among the coaching staff about his reliability in critical moments.
Justin Tucker joins the practice squad
To address the situation, the Chiefs have signed former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad. Tucker, a future Hall of Famer, has not appeared in an NFL game since the 2024 season. He was suspended for ten games under the league’s Personal Conduct Policy after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced in a report by the Baltimore Banner. Tucker denied the allegations, calling them “categorically false,” and served the suspension before becoming eligible for reinstatement in November of last year.
According to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer, the Chiefs held a kicking workout on Tuesday that included several candidates, and Tucker impressed by going 30‑for‑30 in the session. While Butker remains on the active roster, the door is now open for Tucker to step in if the Chiefs decide a change is necessary.
What this means for Kansas City fans
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and special‑teams coordinator Dave Toub have emphasized that the team is focused on winning games and will use whatever personnel best supports that goal. “We have a lot of confidence in our special‑teams unit,” Toub said in a recent press conference. “If we need to make a change, we have the talent to do it responsibly.”
Fans in Kansas City have expressed mixed reactions on social media. Some appreciate the proactive move, noting Tucker’s proven track record of accuracy and clutch performance. Others remain loyal to Butker, citing his long‑standing contributions to the franchise, including multiple Super Bowl victories.
Regardless of the outcome, the Chiefs’ decision underscores the importance of reliable kicking in a league where a single field goal can swing the result of a close contest. With the next regular‑season game approaching, the team will evaluate Tucker’s readiness during practice and determine whether he will be activated for Sunday’s matchup.
The Chiefs are scheduled to face the Denver Broncos next week, a divisional game that could have significant playoff implications. If Tucker is called upon, he will have the opportunity to prove that his veteran experience can still make a difference for a team seeking to return to the postseason.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
