Chiefs Sign Veteran Kicker Justin Tucker to Practice Squad Amid Butker Struggles

The Kansas City Chiefs are signing veteran kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad, a move that puts immediate pressure on Harrison Butker following a string of costly misses. The five-time All-Pro is returning to the NFL after serving a 10-game suspension last year for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

This signing is a move by the Chiefs to add Justin Tucker to their practice squad. By bringing in one of the most accurate kickers in league history, Kansas City is addressing Harrison Butker's struggles while managing Tucker's history of personal conduct policy violations. The move shifts the internal dynamic of the roster; while Butker remains on the active 53-man list, the presence of Tucker on the practice squad suggests his job may be in jeopardy.

Butker’s decline triggers a roster shakeup

Harrison Butker, once a pillar of consistency for the Chiefs, has struggled mightily over the last two seasons. In Sunday’s 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Butker missed two field goals—a 58-yard attempt at the end of the first half and a 45-yarder in the fourth quarter—further cementing a downward trend. Butker has missed 10 field goals and five PATs since the start of last season, the most in the league.

The Chiefs are signing kicker Justin Tucker to the practice squad, a source tells The Star.

— https://x.com/SamMcDowell11/status/2115424755318694082

While head coach Andy Reid attempted to shield his kicker postgame, stating that Butker is “off a bit, so gotta fix it,” the front office is no longer waiting for a natural correction. Butker has missed five field goals already this season and one PAT. His struggles have been particularly pronounced from long range, though he remains 9-of-10 this year from inside 50 yards.

Tucker is the second-most accurate kicker in NFL history, but his final campaign in Baltimore was his worst. In 2024, Tucker missed eight of 30 field goal attempts, including five from 50-plus yards, and two PATs. He converted only 73.3% of his field goals that year, a career low for a man who holds a career average of 89.1%.

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

— https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2115432700400058602

Tucker denies sexual misconduct allegations

Tucker’s path back to the field has been fraught with controversy. In January 2025, The Baltimore Banner reported that 16 massage therapists at high-end spas in the Baltimore area—including those at the Ritz-Carlton Residences and the Four Seasons—accused Tucker of sexual misconduct. The allegations included claims of exposing himself and touching therapists inappropriately. Tucker has vehemently denied these claims, calling them “unequivocally false” and “tabloid fodder.”

The Baltimore Ravens released Tucker in May 2025, describing the move as a “football decision,” though it followed closely on the heels of the allegations. While Tucker was never criminally charged or sued in civil court, the NFL handed down a 10-game suspension for violating the personal conduct policy. He served that suspension as a free agent during the 2025 season and became eligible for reinstatement last November.

Former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, who via a @BaltimoreBanner investigation was accused by 16 women of inappropriate sexual behavior during massage therapy, is back in the NFL.In a February 2025 statement, he maintained that "I have never intended to disrespect anyone."(via…

— https://x.com/jonas_shaffer/status/2115440041023488078

The Chiefs are not the first team to consider Tucker’s leg. He worked out for the New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, and New Orleans Saints before this season, but failed to secure a contract. The Chiefs worked out three kickers this week, ultimately choosing Tucker over former Los Angeles Rams kicker Harrison Mevis.

Comparing the specialists

Tucker’s resume includes NFL records for the fastest kicker to reach 300 field goals and 1,000 points.

Metric	Justin Tucker (Career)	Harrison Butker (Recent Trend)
2024/25 Form	73.3% (Career Low)	League-high misses (10 FG, 5 PAT)
Status	Practice Squad	Active Roster

The decision to place Tucker on the practice squad rather than the active roster suggests the Chiefs may be using him to provide competition.

The ripple effect on the roster

Butker faced significant backlash in 2024 following a commencement address at Benedictine College, where he made polarizing comments regarding working women and Pride month. Now, the Chiefs are adding a player who served a league suspension for personal conduct violations.

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

— https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2115426986881421424

Whether this is a temporary measure or a permanent transition, the addition of Tucker to the practice squad sends a message following Butker’s recent struggles.

Disclaimer: The analytical insights and data provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.

The Chiefs worked out several kickers Tuesday and Justin Tucker went 30-for-30 — a reminder of what one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history can do.Tucker already served a 10-week suspension last season, so if the Chiefs need him, he’s eligible to kick Sunday. pic.twitter.com/eUAgLdyeLH

— https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/2115428888809451769