Chiefs Sign Tucker to Practice Squad

The Kansas City Chiefs added veteran kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad on Wednesday. The signing offers a direct alternative to Harrison Butker, the team's current starter, who has faced mounting pressure due to recent performance issues.

Tucker, a five-time All-Pro, returns to active roster consideration after completing a 10-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy. He served that suspension as a free agent during the 2025 season and became eligible for reinstatement last November. Before his release by the Baltimore Ravens in May 2025, Tucker spent 13 seasons with that franchise.

Chief's head coach Andy Reid confirmed Butker will remain the starter for Sunday's game in Denver. However, Reid stated that Tucker's presence introduces necessary competition. "He’s done his suspension, you know? Took care of that business," Reid said. "And I’ll leave it at that."

The financial stakes for the position are high. Butker holds the third-highest salary among kickers in the league and the sixth-highest base salary on the Chiefs roster. His consistency has been a point of concern, as he has missed 10 field goals and five extra points since the start of last season. Those missed attempts are the highest total in the league for the period.

Tucker is not without recent performance concerns himself. He missed 10 kicks during the 2024 season, the most of his career despite seven Pro Bowl selections. The 37-year-old is aware of the scrutiny that accompanies his return. "Obviously he didn’t do very good this past game. I’m stating the obvious there," Reid said of Butker. "He’s been up and down. This happens."

The Chiefs have a history of giving players second chances, having previously re-signed Kareem Hunt and Matt Araiza after their respective departures. Reid said he evaluates these decisions by reviewing the specific circumstances of each player's prior issues. "I try to do homework on it. See exactly what’s taken place," Reid explained.

Tucker has a history of minor friction with current Chiefs stars, including an exchange with Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes before the AFC championship game two years ago. Mahomes dismissed the incident as a momentary competitive spike, noting the team won that game 17-10 to reach the Super Bowl.