Chiefs Need to Bring Back Clutch Player for Postseason Amid Starter Concerns
As expected, the Kansas City Chiefs lost their season finale to the Denver Broncos. While the loss allowed their division rival a playoff berth, it provided most starters with some much-needed rest. That said, some starters, including kicker Harrison Butker, played.
It's not unusual for Butker to play while other starters rest, given that most kickers play every game unless an injury occurs. In addition, Bukter missed a month of the season after having a procedure on his meniscus. Although Butker is a seasoned kicker, every opportunity he has to kick is important to knock any rust off before the playoffs.
Unfortunately, Butker was wide left on a 51-yard field goal against the Broncos on Sunday. Bukter is typically money on those kicks. Yet, since returning, he has struggled, leaving fans wondering if the Chiefs should re-sign Matthew Wright for the playoffs.
He's on the Titans practice squad, so right now he's available to sign on the 53. In a few days his practice squad contract expires and he can sign with anyone.
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) January 5, 2025
Also: He's 28 years old with five NFL seasons and has never played in a playoff game. https://t.co/akmFPOXyaH
Should the Chiefs Sign Harrison Buker Insurance Before Playoffs?
Since Butler's return in Week 15, he is 8/9 on extra points and 3/5 on field goals. Butker's missed extra point was the second for him this season, while his other missed field goal was wide left from 29 yards out on his first game back.
Butker's two misses, especially the missed 29-yard field goal, immediately made fans wonder if he came back too soon. Nevertheless, he had hit every other kick until Sunday. Might this be an overreaction to call for Wright? Sure, but it's warranted.
Chiefs fans don't want their season to be ended because of a missed kick. While Butker has a proven past of hitting these kicks, his misses since returning have been worrisome.
On the other hand, Wright nearly missed the game-winning kick against the Chargers because he hit the upright. Thankfully, he didn't miss, and that kick won the Chiefs the division. Yet, this just goes to show that neither kicker is perfect, and the best move might be to just keep Butker since he has a proven past of making high-leverage kicks.
At the least, it'd be wise to have insurance ready just in case Butker isn't quite right.
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