The Kansas City Chiefs signed former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, as the team seeks alternative kicking options. Tucker, widely regarded as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, returns to the league after spending the 2025 season unsigned following a suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
The move comes at a precarious moment for the Chiefs’ special teams. Harrison Butker has struggled this year, missing five field goals through six games, according to USA Today. The slump peaked during a “Sunday Night Football” matchup against the Seattle Seahawks last week, where Butker missed two field goals in a 20-3 loss. While Butker remains effective from short range—converting 9 of 10 attempts from inside 50 yards—his inability to secure long-distance points has left Kansas City leaving points on the board.
A legacy of precision meets a clouded reputation
On paper, Tucker is an overwhelming upgrade. CBS Sports notes that the 36-year-old is a seven-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl XLVII champion who holds NFL records for the fastest kicker to reach 300 career field goals and 1,000 points. His career field goal percentage of 89.1% ranks third all-time, and he has converted 66.7% of his attempts from 50 yards or more.
The Chiefs are signing kicker Justin Tucker to the practice squad, a source tells The Star.
However, Tucker’s return is fraught with controversy. His 13-year tenure with the Ravens ended in May 2025 following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. According to reporting from the Baltimore Banner, 16 massage therapists across eight Baltimore-area spas accused Tucker of inappropriate behavior, including exposing his genitals and touching therapists inappropriately during sessions. While Tucker denied the allegations, the NFL suspended him for 10 games to start the 2025 season.
The severity of the league’s response is highlighted by the comparison to other high-profile cases. USA Today reports that Tucker’s 10-game suspension was only one game shorter than the penalty served by Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson in 2022 for similar allegations of sexual misconduct.
The #Chiefs worked out three kickers and kept both Justin Tucker and Harrison Mevis around all day, giving them both physicals after similarly impressive workouts. In the end, with the experience and resume, Tucker gets the PS spot. https://t.co/xNiMwf6wVH
Andy Reid defends the roster move
The decision to bring Tucker back into the fold has already sparked questions about the message it sends to the Chiefs’ fanbase, particularly women. When asked by a reporter about the optics of the signing, head coach Andy Reid was brief.
“He’s done his suspension. Took care of that business there. I’ll leave it at that,” Reid said.
In 2024, his final active season with Baltimore, Tucker hit a career-low field goal rate of 73.3%, making 22 of 30 attempts. His extra-point conversion rate also dipped to 96.8%, the second-lowest mark of his career. This decline, paired with the misconduct allegations, explains why Tucker remained unsigned throughout 2025 despite workouts with the New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, and New York Jets.
Comparing the options in Kansas City
The Chiefs aren’t just choosing between two names; they are weighing a current starter’s slump against a legend’s baggage and aging leg.
| Metric | Harrison Butker (2026) | Justin Tucker (Career/Recent) |
|---|---|---|
| Career Field Goal % | N/A | 89.1% (3rd All-Time) |
| Last Active Season FG % | N/A | 73.3% (2024) |
| Status | Active Roster | Practice Squad |
The immediate impact of this signing is felt most by Harrison Butker, whose job security is now in serious jeopardy. By placing Tucker on the practice squad, the Chiefs have created a “safety net” that doubles as a direct threat. If Butker cannot correct his long-range struggles, the team has a leg waiting in the wings.
From a civic and organizational standpoint, the move places the Chiefs in a difficult position. They are balancing the pursuit of a championship—where every single point matters—against the ethical considerations of employing a player accused of systemic misconduct by 16 different women.
For now, Tucker remains on the practice squad with contract details still pending. Whether he ever actually takes a snap for Kansas City depends on if Butker can find his rhythm or if Andy Reid decides that the risk of the controversy is worth the reward of the leg.
“He’s been one of the most consistent kickers in football,” Reid said of Butker following a recent loss. “He’s off a bit, so gotta fix it.”
More on Justin Tucker
Chiefs are signing K Justin Tucker to their practice squad, as @SamMcDowell11 reported. Tucker hasn’t kicked in the NFL since 2024 after violating the NFL’s personal-conduct policy following allegations of sexual misconduct. pic.twitter.com/fddZBV6UTE
The #Chiefs add Justin Tucker, the 7-time Pro Bowler, to their practice squad, the first time he's signed since serving a 10-game suspension for violating the league's Personal Conduct Policy.He's insurance for Harrison Butker, who has missed 15 total kicks since the start of… pic.twitter.com/pyKkabCklI
Related reading
Oklahoma City Thunder name starters for game against Dallas Mavericks
The Oklahoma City Thunder will start Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain, Kenrich Williams, and Isaiah Hartenstein tonight...
North Dakota DOT offers Uber and Lyft vouchers for safe Halloween rides
The North Dakota Department of Transportation is offering $10 ride vouchers for Uber and Lyft from Oct. 29–31...
NYT Cooking AI substitution tool sparks significant user backlash
The New York Times has launched an AI-powered ingredient substitution tool within its Cooking app for iOS subscribers,...
NYT Cooking AI Ingredient Substitutions Spark Reader Backlash
Roughly 77% of readers who commented on the New York Times' announcement of new AI features for its...