Image Source: Kansas City Star
Harrison Butker will remain the Kansas City Chiefs’ kicker heading into Week 9, despite a difficult opening stretch and the recent addition of former All-Pro Justin Tucker to the team’s practice squad. Head coach Andy Reid confirmed the decision before Wednesday’s practice, ending immediate speculation that Kansas City might make a change.
“Harrison will be in, yeah,” Reid said when asked about the kicking situation, as reported by the Kansas City Star. The short response made the Chiefs’ position clear: Butker remains the team’s preferred option for now.
Harrison Butker Gets a Critical Vote of Confidence
The decision comes after Butker missed a 54-yard field goal during the rainy fourth quarter of Kansas City’s close loss to the Denver Broncos. He did convert a 45-yard field goal and made all three of his extra-point attempts, but the late miss added to growing concerns surrounding the veteran kicker’s performance.
Through seven games, Butker is 12-for-18 on field-goal attempts. That 66.7% success rate is tied for the lowest among qualified kickers currently on an active NFL roster, according to the statistics cited in the report. Former Los Angeles Rams kicker Harrison Mevis is the only listed kicker with a lower percentage.
The numbers become more troubling from long range. Butker has attempted seven field goals from at least 50 yards, the third-highest total in the league, but has converted only two. Five of his six misses have come on those deep attempts. He has also missed a 45-yard field goal and one extra-point attempt this season.
Why Justin Tucker Is Waiting
Kansas City brought Tucker onto its practice squad after the veteran impressed during a tryout. Tucker’s résumé includes multiple All-Pro selections and a reputation as one of the most dependable kickers in NFL history. His arrival naturally created questions about whether the Chiefs were preparing for a change.
For now, that change is not coming. Tucker will remain with the reserves for at least another week while the organization continues to evaluate Butker and its overall special-teams outlook. Signing Tucker gives Kansas City an experienced alternative without requiring the team to immediately move on from its longtime kicker.
- Butker has made 12 of 18 field-goal attempts this season.
- He is two-for-seven on kicks of 50 yards or more.
- Five of his six field-goal misses have come from long distance.
- Justin Tucker remains on the Chiefs’ practice squad.
- Andy Reid confirmed that Butker will handle kicking duties in Week 9.
The Chiefs’ decision suggests that they believe Butker can correct the issue, particularly if the game plan produces fewer difficult attempts. Long-range field goals are never automatic, and weather played a role in the Denver miss. Still, Kansas City will need greater reliability in close games, where one missed kick can dramatically alter the result.
Chiefs Also Expect Kingsley Suamataia Back
Reid also offered an encouraging update on the offensive line. There is a “good chance” that starting left guard Kingsley Suamataia will return to the lineup after being benched during the Week 8 loss to Denver.
Suamataia played five special-teams snaps in that game but did not handle his usual offensive role. Veteran backup Mike Caliendo filled in at left guard and played 68 snaps. According to Pro Football Focus, Caliendo surrendered five pressures, including one sack and two quarterback hits.
The expected return of Suamataia could provide a boost for an offense that has struggled to maintain consistency. His presence would also give the Chiefs a chance to restore stability along the interior offensive line as the team moves through a demanding portion of the schedule.
With Butker staying in place and Suamataia likely returning, Kansas City appears ready to rely on familiar contributors rather than make dramatic changes before Week 9. That approach places pressure on both players to respond quickly.
What This Means for Kansas City
For Butker, the upcoming game represents an important opportunity to rebuild confidence. A clean performance could quiet outside criticism and reduce the urgency surrounding Tucker’s presence. Another costly miss, however, could make the kicking competition impossible to ignore.
For the Chiefs, the margin for error remains small. Special-teams mistakes have the potential to decide tight games, particularly when an offense is already searching for rhythm. Reid’s decision shows continued trust, but that trust will ultimately be measured by results.
Will Harrison Butker kick for the Chiefs in Week 9?
Yes. Andy Reid confirmed that Harrison Butker will remain Kansas City’s kicker for the Week 9 matchup.
Why did the Chiefs sign Justin Tucker?
The Chiefs added Justin Tucker to the practice squad after he impressed during a tryout. His experience gives the team another option while it evaluates the kicking position.
How has Butker performed this season?
Butker has converted 12 of 18 field-goal attempts. He has made only two of seven attempts from 50 yards or longer and has also missed an extra point.
Could Justin Tucker replace Butker soon?
That remains possible, but there is no immediate change. Tucker is staying on the practice squad while Kansas City continues to trust Butker.
