The Kansas City Chiefs signed veteran kicker Justin Tucker amid Harrison Butker’s struggles this season. The decision has faced backlash from fans and analysts.
Tucker was handed a 10-game suspension from the NFL last season after allegations of sexual misconduct. However, he hasn’t played in the league since 2024.
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The veteran seven-time Pro Bowler practiced with the Chiefs this week and Kansas City coach Andy Reid reflected on Butker’s situation after signing Tucker.
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“We love Harrison,” Reid said. “He’s one of my favorite guys. Sometimes things don’t go quite the way you want them, and you work on that. He understands the business and how it works.
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“We had a practice squad position open, so for security we brought him (Tucker) in and put him in that spot. Butker gets it. He knows that it’s part of this business. He’s struggled a little bit, and he gets that he needs to pick it up.”
The decision to sign Tucker to the practice squad came in the wake of Butker’s two missed field goal attempts against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid backs Harrison Butker’s role despite Justin Tucker signing
Although the Chiefs have signed Justin Tucker this week, Kansas City coach Andy Reid backed Harrison Butker to retain his role on the roster for the Denver Broncos game.
“Butker will get most of the reps this week,” Reid said. “He’ll take those and we’ll just see where it goes. Kind of fluid. I haven’t seen that scenario, no. Harrison will probably go this week.
“Right now his technique’s off a bit. It’s not as consistent as he wants it. Things happen.”
Butker is reportedly the only kicker on the Chiefs’ 53-man roster despite the arrival of Tucker.
Edited by Chaitanya Prakash
