Andy Reid sends a clear message on Harrison Butker as Chiefs make their Week 10 decision against Falcons (Getty Images)
His problems became more noticeable after the Chiefs lost to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7, when he missed two field goal attempts. Kansas City then faced the Denver Broncos in Week 8, and Butker missed a 54-yard attempt late in the game. The miss added to the growing frustration around his performances.
He missed his only field goal attempt in that game, while his season conversion rate stood at just 63.2%.
With the Atlanta Falcons coming up in Week 10, the Chiefs head coach has confirmed that Butker will remain the team’s starting kicker. Because kansas City already has another experienced option in Justin Tucker, the call is notable.
Speaking about his decision, the Chiefs coach said, “I’m going to stick with Butker,” making his position clear ahead of Sunday’s contest. The decision also followed Reid’s earlier comments after the Jets win, when he said he would review the situation before reaching a conclusion. The Kansas City Chiefs are giving Harrison Butker another opportunity despite his disappointing form, and Andy Reid’s latest decision has done little to calm frustrated fans. But rather than make an immediate change, Reid is prepared to give Butker more time, even as his missed kicks continue to raise questions about the team’s kicking situation. Butker’s struggles have become increasingly difficult for Kansas City to overlook. The kicker has failed to deliver the consistency expected from him, with costly misses putting extra pressure on the team during important moments. That figure is a major concern for a team that often finds itself in close games, where a reliable kicker can make a significant difference. He has now completed that review, and Butker has retained his starting role. What makes Reid’s call more interesting is the presence of Justin Tucker. Kansas City recently added the veteran kicker to its practice squad, giving the coaching staff another option if Butker’s struggles continue.
Reid, however, has chosen to stick with the player he knows rather than make a change before the Falcons game.