Key Highlights:
- Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker accepted sole blame for a crucial 54-yard missed field goal in a 28-24 defeat against the Denver Broncos.
- Butker has now missed six field goals across seven games this season, following a recent contest against the Seattle Seahawks that also featured two misses.
- Head coach Andy Reid addressed the signing of former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker to the practice squad as insurance while Butker works through his struggles.
Costly Late-Game Miss Seals Defeat Against Denver Broncos
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker offered no excuses following a pivotal fourth-quarter error that altered the outcome of the team’s matchup against the Denver Broncos. With the Chiefs holding onto a slim advantage late in the final frame, Butker pushed a 54-yard field goal attempt wide right. The Broncos took immediate advantage of the favorable field position at Empower Field at Mile High, driving downfield to score the decisive touchdown that pushed Denver ahead 28-24 and left Kansas City with insufficient time to mount a comeback.
Although rain had begun descending on the stadium when Butker lined up for the long-distance kick, the veteran specialist refused to point to environmental conditions as a contributing factor. Shaking his head, Butker was candid about the breakdown in technique during the critical sequence.
Might have been one of my best weeks of practice. Justin’s been great,
Butker said, referring to newly signed specialist Justin Tucker. But it doesn’t matter. When I say bad miss, I just completely missed the ball.
Expressing deep frustration over the execution, Butker added: Didn’t even give it a chance, so that one just felt really bad and not good enough, obviously.
Mounting Inconsistencies Prompt Practice Squad Insurance
The high-profile miss in Denver represents the latest setback in an increasingly volatile campaign for Harrison Butker. The specialist has now misfired on six field goals through seven games, a dry spell that included two missed attempts against the Seattle Seahawks. That persistent slump led the Kansas City front office to alter its long-standing approach of relying solely on their tenured kicker and explore veteran contingency options.
To provide immediate competition and depth, the Chiefs evaluated three free-agent kickers before signing longtime Baltimore Ravens standout Justin Tucker to their practice squad. The acquisition followed Tucker serving a 10-game suspension stemming from sexual misconduct allegations involving 16 massage therapists. When questioned by reporters regarding the organization’s due diligence, head coach Andy Reid declined to detail the team’s internal inquiry but noted that team officials conducted multiple conversations before completing the roster move.
So he’s done his suspension, you know, and take care of that business there. I’ll leave it at that for ya,
Reid explained.
Andy Reid Emphasizes Accountability and Roster Realities
Despite the notable addition to the specialist room, Andy Reid stressed that signing Justin Tucker was a standard football precaution rather than a permanent changing of the guard or a rift with Harrison Butker. Reid affirmed that the veteran kicker remains fully aware of the competitive standards required at the professional level and must elevate his performance on game day.
He understands the business and how it works and we had a practice squad position open,
Reid said. And so for security, we brought [Tucker] in and put him in that spot we had open.
Reid concluded by outlining the expectations moving forward: Butker gets it. He knows that’s part of this business. He’s struggled a little bit and he gets it. He needs to pick it up here a little bit.
Why This Matters
Kicking stability is critical for championship contenders, particularly in tightly contested divisional games where field position and late-game margins dictate postseason seeding. Harrison Butker has historically served as one of the league’s most reliable postseason assets, but a conversion slump of six misses in seven outings puts immense pressure on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City offense. By carrying a decorated specialist like Justin Tucker on the practice squad, the Chiefs have introduced direct internal pressure, signaling that continued struggles in high-leverage situations could lead to active roster changes as the season progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score and situation when Harrison Butker missed the kick?
Harrison Butker attempted a 54-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter with the Kansas City Chiefs leading. The attempt went wide right, allowing the Denver Broncos to capitalize with a go-ahead touchdown drive that resulted in a 28-24 Chiefs loss.
How many field goals has Harrison Butker missed this season?
Butker has missed six field goal attempts over the span of seven games, including two misses during an earlier contest against the Seattle Seahawks.
Why did the Kansas City Chiefs sign Justin Tucker?
Head coach Andy Reid stated that the Chiefs signed the former Baltimore Ravens kicker to their practice squad for roster security after Tucker completed a 10-game suspension, providing experienced depth while Butker works to resolve his recent performance issues.
