Chiefs Keep Butker in Lineup Despite Another Miss

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said on November 4 that kicker Harrison Butker will be active for Kansas City’s game against the New York Jets on November 8. The decision comes after Butker missed a 54-yard field-goal attempt during the Chiefs’ 28-24 loss to Denver last weekend and after the team added former All-Pro kicker Justin Tucker to its practice squad the previous week.

Kansas City held a 24-13 lead entering the fourth quarter before Denver scored twice to take the lead. Butker’s miss came between those touchdowns. A successful kick would have left the Chiefs needing a field goal, rather than a touchdown, on their final possession.

Butker has missed 16 kicks since the start of last season, more than any other NFL player over that period. He said the Denver attempt was a complete miss and that it did not feel right when he struck the ball. Butker also said he had practiced well following Tucker’s arrival, but acknowledged that practice performance did not matter if he failed to make kicks in games.

Reid said first-round cornerback Mansoor Delane returned to practice on November 4 after missing a second game because of shoulder injuries. Guard Kingsley Suamataia, who had been out for two games, could also return; Reid said there was a good chance he would play. Defensive lineman Peter Woods remained out with a neck stinger.

The Chiefs are widely expected to seek a wide receiver before the trade deadline the following week. Reid left questions about a possible move to general manager Brett Veach, saying the decision rested with him.