The Kansas City Chiefs have signed Justin Tucker, one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, to their practice squad. The move comes days after Harrison Butker missed two field goals in Sunday night’s 20-3 loss to Seattle.
What happened
- The Kansas City Star’s Sam McDowell first reported the signing on Wednesday, Oct. 28. NFL Network and ESPN confirmed it.
- The Chiefs worked out three kickers, including Tucker and former Rams kicker Harrison Mevis, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
- Butker is still on the 53-man roster and is still the starting kicker for now.
Butker’s tough season
Butker has missed five field goals and one extra point this season, including the two misses in Seattle. For a kicker who has been one of the league’s best for years, that’s a big drop. With Tucker in the building, NFL.com says Butker’s job "now looks in jeopardy" if the misses continue.
Who is Justin Tucker?
| Justin Tucker | |
|---|---|
| Career field goal rate | 89.1% (second-best in NFL history) |
| Honors | 7 Pro Bowls, 5 All-Pro selections |
| Seasons with Baltimore | 13 (2012–2024) |
| Last NFL game | 2024 season |
His last season, 2024, was his worst. He missed 8 of 30 field goals, including five from 50-plus yards, and two extra points.
Why he was out of the NFL
The Ravens released Tucker in the spring of 2025. He then served a 10-game suspension in 2025 for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, and no team signed him after that. This is his first NFL job since.
What happens next?
A practice squad player can be moved up to the active roster for a game. So the Chiefs have two options for Sunday’s big game at Denver:
- Stick with Butker and give him a chance to get back on track.
- Elevate Tucker for the game if they think he gives them a better chance.
Kicking could matter a lot: the Chiefs (5-1) and Broncos (5-2) are fighting for first place in the AFC West.
It’s been a busy week in Kansas City. The team also put left tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve. See where the Chiefs rank in our Week 8 power rankings.
Sources: NFL.com, Yahoo Sports, NBC Sports.
