Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid announced on Wednesday that Harrison Butker will remain the team’s starting kicker for Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons. The decision comes despite Butker’s league-low 63% field-goal percentage this season and a recent string of missed kicks that have drawn criticism from fans and analysts alike.
Reid’s announcement follows Butker’s performance in Week 9, where he missed a 51-yard field-goal attempt against the New York Jets. The miss, which was followed by a second failed attempt, prompted audible boos from Chiefs fans at Arrowhead Stadium. Butker has now missed 17 kicks (12 field goals and five extra points) since the start of last season, the most of any kicker in the league.
Justin Tucker, a 37-year-old veteran kicker signed to the Chiefs’ practice squad in October, remains on the bench. Tucker, who has been described as having an "off the charts" workout with the team, has not received playing time despite his reputation as one of the NFL’s most accurate kickers.
Reid’s Rationale and Team Context
Reid addressed the kicking situation in a press conference, stating, "As far as the kicking part goes, I’m going to stick with Butker this week." He added that the team would "look at everything" moving forward, including the kicker position. The coach did not elaborate on the specific reasons for his decision beyond reaffirming his confidence in Butker’s long-term role.
The Chiefs’ kicking struggles have extended beyond Butker’s recent performances. Since the start of the 2023 season, the team has faced persistent issues with field-goal accuracy, contributing to close losses and heightened scrutiny of the position. Chiefs fans have grown increasingly vocal, with some suggesting the team should consider alternatives, including Tucker or even a symbolic "cardboard cutout" of another kicker.
Fan and Analyst Reactions
Public reaction to Reid’s decision has been overwhelmingly critical. On social media platform X, fans expressed frustration, with some joking about the Chiefs "moving their practice goalposts to the right to help Butker" and others calling for the team to "score touchdowns" to avoid field-goal situations. The phrase "Why?" has become a recurring theme in discussions about Butker’s continued role.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Adam Vinatieri, who spoke with reporters on Tuesday, suggested that Butker’s job is on the line. "He’s done a really, really nice job throughout his career," Vinatieri said. "If he can right that ship and get it back, it’s his job, in my opinion. But like you said, it’s always an open competition."
Statistical Context and Team Implications
Butker’s struggles this season have significantly impacted the Chiefs’ offensive efficiency. Through eight games, he has converted just 12 of 19 field-goal attempts, a rate that ranks among the worst in the NFL. His extra-point percentage has also dipped, further complicating the team’s scoring opportunities.
The decision to retain Butker comes at a critical juncture for the Chiefs, who are currently in contention for a playoff spot. A strong performance against the Falcons could mitigate some of the concerns surrounding the kicking position, while continued struggles may intensify calls for a change.
What’s Next
The Chiefs will face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Reid has indicated that the kicking situation will remain under review, though no timeline for a potential change has been provided. Tucker’s future with the team remains uncertain, as does the possibility of the Chiefs exploring other options, either through free agency or the waiver wire.
For now, Butker will attempt to silence critics with his performance on game day, while fans and analysts alike will closely monitor his accuracy and the team’s overall offensive execution.