The Kansas City Chiefs have signed veteran kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad as the team looks for stability after a wobbly start from incumbent Harrison Butker. Butker has missed five of 16 field-goal attempts this season, prompting the club to add an experienced alternative to its kicking corps.
Chiefs add experience and depth
The move places Tucker on the practice squad rather than the active roster, giving the Chiefs an experienced option they can activate if they choose. The signing follows a run of mixed results from Butker, whose misses have drawn attention given the premium placed on reliable kicking in close games.
Butker's early-season struggles
Butker's five missed field-goal attempts through 16 attempts this season represent an uncharacteristic downturn for the kicker, who has been a focal point of the Chiefs' special teams in recent years. Kansas City's decision to add a veteran to the practice squad signals a desire for contingency planning and internal competition at the position.
Tucker's release and conduct sanction
Tucker, long regarded as one of the most accurate kickers in league history, was released by the Baltimore Ravens in May 2025. The Ravens described his departure as a football decision following a period of poor form, but the move came months after he was accused of inappropriate sexual behavior by massage therapists. Tucker has denied the allegations and faced no criminal charges, although he served a 10-game suspension under the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Next steps for Kansas City
The signing does not guarantee Tucker will be activated for game day, but it provides the Chiefs with an established option they can turn to if Butker's struggles continue. Kansas City will likely evaluate both kickers in practice before making any roster or game-day decisions as the season progresses.