Chiefs stick with Harrison Butker as kicker in Week 10 despite 7 missed field goals, Justin Tucker in waiting
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has named Harrison Butker as the starting kicker for Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons, despite the NFL leader with seven missed field goals.
The decision comes after Butker's struggles continued in Week 9's rout of the New York Jets, where he missed a 51-yard field goal attempt that was blown dead, then couldn't convert on a second try. Butker admitted, "I'm booing myself sometimes." as fans expressed their frustration with boos at Arrowhead Stadium.
Struggles Continue
Since the start of last season, Butker has missed a total of 17 kicks – 12 field goals and five extra points – which is the most of any kicker in the league. Despite these struggles, Reid hasn't pulled the plug on Butker just yet.
The Chiefs controversially signed Justin Tucker to the practice squad, who had an "off the charts" workout with the team. Tucker, a 37-year-old veteran, served a 10-game NFL suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy following allegations of sexual misconduct during his time with the Ravens.
Competition Ahead
Reid said he would "look at everything" this week, including the kicker position. Pro Football Hall of Famer Adam Vinatieri believes the Chiefs would be running an open competition with Tucker at practice.
It's Harrison's job to lose. He's done a really, really nice job throughout his career. If he can right that ship and get it back, it's his job, in my opinion.
Vinatieri noted that as the team gets closer to the playoffs, "the margin of error is so much smaller." Tucker has vehemently denied the allegations that led to his suspension and was reinstated in November after being released by the Ravens in May 2025.
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