Chiefs Keep Harrison Butker as Kicker Despite Poor Start

The Kansas City Chiefs will stick with Harrison Butker as their starting kicker for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos. Head coach Andy Reid said this week that Butker will probably retain the job. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub confirmed the decision with more certainty, stating that Butker is the man for the job.

Butker has struggled with accuracy early in the 2026 season. He finished the first six games with issues that became severe in Week 7, when he missed two field goal attempts in a 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. His season record now stands at 11-of-16, a 68.8% conversion rate that is the lowest of his career.

The Chiefs responded to the missed kicks by evaluating new candidates. They brought three kickers to their facility during the week and signed free agent Justin Tucker to the practice squad. Tucker will not kick against the Broncos, but his presence serves two purposes. He provides a backup option if Butker continues to miss, and he offers mentorship to help Butker regain his form.

Toub noted that Butker went 10-for-10 on field goal attempts during Wednesday’s practice. The session was conducted with 28-mph wind gusts in Kansas City. Toub said the team is working to improve Butker’s technique and accuracy.

Tucker, an eight-time All-Pro, missed the entire 2025 season due to a 10-game suspension following an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviors during massage sessions. He became eligible to sign with a new team before the 2026 season began. Toub said he received calls from other teams but chose the Chiefs after watching Tucker’s tryout.

The Chiefs designed a 30-kick tryout that included 10 extra points, seven field goals over 50 yards, and one 60-yarder. Tucker converted all 30 attempts. Toub noted that 60% of those kicks landed inside a six-foot cylinder in the middle of the uprights. Toub called Tucker’s accuracy off-the-charts good.

Toub said Tucker had four other workouts before the Chiefs’ tryout. Toub added that the word was Tucker was hitting the ball great, which led him to sign the veteran to the practice squad.