Chiefs Coordinator Backs Butker Amid Tucker Signing

Kansas City Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub has stated that Harrison Butker will remain the team's starting kicker, even after the team signed Justin Tucker to the practice squad. Butker has faced struggles this season, converting 11 of 16 field-goal attempts, with four misses in his last four games.

"Butker is our kicker," Toub told reporters. "We’re trying to improve, we’re trying to get Butker right. That’s what this whole thing is about."

Toub noted that Butker performed well in practice, even in windy conditions, going 10-for-10 with Tucker present. The team also worked out Ben Sauls and Harrison Mevis before signing Tucker.

"Because (Justin Tucker) he is a good kicker. And I've heard he's been out making the rounds, and we talk. All the special teams coaches talk," Toub said. "He had four workouts before we brought—we were his fifth workout, tryout. And the word was that he was hitting the ball great, and I wanted to see it."

Toubs described Tucker's workout as "off the charts good," noting his accuracy in making every kick, including those from beyond 50 and 60 yards.

Tucker had been serving a 10-game suspension related to allegations of sexual misconduct. Multiple women accused him of inappropriate behavior during massage therapy sessions. Tucker has denied the allegations.

The decision to sign Tucker to the practice squad has drawn criticism. However, Toub indicated that Butker's starting position could be re-evaluated if his struggles persist. Toub characterized a missed 45-yard field goal by Butker in a recent game as a "bad miss."

The Chiefs are scheduled to play the Denver Broncos on Sunday.