Chiefs Coach Gives Update on Kicker Concerns Before 1st Playoff Game
By Cem Yolbulan
The Kansas City Chiefs are finally returning to action on Saturday as they take on the Houston Texans in the divisional round of the playoffs. After resting their starters in the regular-season finale and having a first-round bye, we haven't seen the Chiefs in action since Christmas. They are three wins away from a historic three-peat and a couple of weeks off to rest and re-focus should do wonders for the team.
Perhaps the player who needed the break more than anybody was Harrison Butker. The kicker had knee surgery in mid-November to trim the meniscus and landed on the injured reserve list. He ended up missing four games before coming back in Week 15 against the Browns. Since his return, however, he hasn't been the same player.
In four games since, Butker has missed two field goals and an extra-point attempt. His struggles had forced head coach Andy Reid to make uncharacteristic decisions like punting instead of kicking a 57-yard field goal against the Steelers.
Things are reportedly looking up for Butker, however. Per Chiefs reporter Charles Goldman, special teams coordinator Dave Toub said that Butker had a really good practice on Tuesday but added that we shouldn't forget how recently he had knee surgery.
#Chiefs STC Dave Toub is at the podium and says that K Harrison Butker had a really good day of practice yesterday, but mentions that we have to remember he had surgery on his knee: "I think it lingered a little bit. So it has changed up things a little bit."
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) January 15, 2025
Chiefs insider Matt Derrick added that Toub said Butker showed his old power. The specialists will reportedly go to Arrowhead to kick outside in game conditions on Wednesday. That should give the coaching staff a better idea of where Butker is right now.
Dave Toub says Harrison Butker looked good in practice Tuesday, says he showed his old power. The specialists will go over to Arrowhead to kick outside today.
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) January 15, 2025
Over the last eight seasons, Butker has proven that he is one of the most reliable kickers in the league. His accuracy may have taken a hit this season but he remains an elite option after going 94.3% on field goals last regular season and going 11/11 in the playoffs. His 88.9% career playoff accuracy should give Chiefs fans some peace of mind heading into the postseason.
More Chiefs news and rumors:
feed