Chiefs stand by Harrison Butker despite struggles, Justin Tucker waiting in wings

Tucker’s perfect tryout turned heads, but Kansas City views the veteran as both insurance and a resource

Kansas City signed former Ravens star Justin Tucker to its practice squad, but Andy Reid and Dave Toub insist Harrison Butker will remain the Chiefs Despite the field goal issues that marred the first six games of the season and evolved into a disaster in Week 7, the Kansas City Chiefs do not intend to make a kicker change for Sunday's road game against the Denver Broncos. Coach Andy Reid said this week that Harrison Butker will "probably" retain his role as the team's kicker in Week 8, and special teams coordinator Dave Toub went a step further when he staunchly affirmed that Butker is the man for the job. Butker missed two field goal attempts in last week's 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and is just 11-for-16 on the year.

His 68.8% conversion rate is by far the worst of his otherwise stellar career. Those costly missed kicks prompted the Chiefs to seek outside help, and after they brought three candidates into their facility during the week, they signed free agent Justin Tucker to their practice squad. The eight-time All-Pro will not handle the kicking duties against the Broncos, though. "Butker is our kicker," Toub said. "We're trying to improve Butker. We're trying to get Butker right. That's what this whole thing is about." Toub said that Butker