Chiefs’ Kicker Struggles: Team’s Faith in Butker Despite Misses

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The Kansas City Chiefs have brought in veteran kicker Justin Tucker to assist Harrison Butker during practice sessions this week. This move follows Butker’s missed field goals, which cost the team dearly in their Week 7 game against the Seattle Seahawks.

On Sunday, Butker’s problems persisted. He missed a 54-yard field goal attempt with 2:36 left in the game. At that point, the Chiefs were leading the Denver Broncos 24-21. However, the Broncos quickly turned the game around, scoring on a two-play drive that covered 56 yards and ultimately secured a 28-24 victory.

In the game, Butker converted only one of his two field goal attempts but successfully kicked all three extra points. But his performance continues to be scrutinized, as per ESPN Insights, Butker has missed the most kicks in the league since the start of 2025.

Butker has struggled this season, missing six field goal attempts, a career low for him. Prior to Sunday’s game, his success rate for field goals stood at 68.8% over the first six games, marking a slump in his decade-long career.

After the game, Butker spoke to reporters, acknowledging his error in the 54-yard attempt. He highlighted his positive practice sessions, as shown in a video posted on X by James Palmer from Bleacher Report.

Despite the recent challenges, Chiefs special teams head coach Dave Toub expressed confidence in Butker’s abilities. Toub told reporters that Kansas City is committed to Butker as their kicker and focuses on improving his performance. Toub noted that Butker succeeded in making 10 of 10 field goals during a windy practice session, with 28-mile-an-hour gusts while being observed by Tucker.

The Chiefs have encountered two consecutive losses, with Butker playing a significant part in the defeats.

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