Chiefs keep Butker, sign suspended Tucker to practice squad — SkimNews
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- Harrison Butker missed two field goals in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks, including a 45-yard attempt, and has now missed five of 16 field goal attempts this season.
- Dave Toub stated unequivocally that Butker remains the Chiefs' kicker, emphasizing the team is focused on helping him improve amid ongoing performance issues.
- Justin Tucker was signed to the Chiefs' practice squad after completing a 10-game NFL suspension for violating the personal conduct policy amid sexual misconduct allegations from 16 massage therapists.
- Toub revealed Tucker made all 30 kicks in a rigorous tryout—including seven from over 50 yards—and was 'off-the-charts good,' prompting the Chiefs to bring him in.
- Butker acknowledged his mechanics were off, saying he 'swung too hard' and needs to return to a smoother, more controlled kicking motion to regain consistency.
- Tucker and Butker began working together during practice, with Tucker offering technical feedback, a collaboration Toub described as 'unbelievable' and professionally constructive.
Why it matters: The Chiefs are investing in both stability and contingency by keeping Butker while adding a high-profile kicker with a troubled recent past. Tucker’s presence provides immediate insurance and mentorship, but his history—10 missed kicks and a suspension tied to serious allegations—raises stakes if he’s activated, directly impacting team reputation and special teams reliability.
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