Harrison Butker's Status as Chiefs Kicker Updated by Andy Reid Amid Latest Struggles

The Kansas City Chiefs have no plans to make a change at kicker despite Harrison Butker suffering through his worst season so far.

Coach Andy Reid told reporters Wednesday that Butker will remain the starter.

"Harrison has done such a great job for us over time here," Reid said. "Sometimes you go through these little peaks-and-valleys things. I've got to give him a chance to work through them, and we'll see how things go. We'll just take it week by week."

Butker is 12-of-19 on field goals in 2026, and his seven misses are already a career high.

In the 28-24 loss to the Denver Broncos, Butker couldn't connect on a 54-yard attempt in the fourth quarter. That proved costly as the Chiefs were driving for the game-winning score on the final drive and needed a touchdown instead of a field goal.

Kansas City rebounded with a 35-12 victory over the New York Jets, but the Arrowhead Stadium crowd made their voices heard when Butker had another field goal sail wide at the end of the first half. It immediately followed a missed attempt that didn't count due to an offsides penalty.

Immediately after the Jets game, Reid was noncommittal about his kicker situation heading into Week 10. The Chiefs signed seven-time Pro Bowler Justin Tucker to their practice squad, so they have a replacement waiting in the wings.

Tucker hasn't suited up since the 2024 season, and he similarly hit a nadir that year. His 73.3 percent success rate was a personal low. The 36-year-old may not actually be much of an upgrade.

At a certain point, Butker won't leave Reid with much of a choice if his struggles to continue. For now, he's being afforded every opportunity to get things right.