Chiefs Make Surprise Kicker Announcement After Harrison Butker Injury News

The Chiefs have officially made a surprising decision at kicker following the latest news that Harrison Butker wouldn't be 100% for another two or three weeks.

Kansas City's Matthew Wright has filled in admirably for Spencer Shrader, though there's no true replacement for Butker. In the interim, it sounds like safety Justin Reid will handle kickoffs instead of Butker.

Reid covered the same role last week and given the extensive kicker injuries, it makes sense to have an extra tackler on kickoff coverage.

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It's an interesting decision but considering the consistent injuries at the position, the Chiefs need to be careful. Matthew Wright has been fantastic with Harrison Butker and Spencer Shrader both injured, so keeping him upright in the meantime is of the utmost importance.

There's no chance Kansas City wants to go to a fourth kicker with just a handful of games left in the season. Butker will be back soon but as long as Reid is healthy, he should remain the kickoff man.

Given the changes in the rules, he allows the team to have that extra physical body on coverage. Reid's unique versatility allows Dave Toub to deploy different styles and techniques on those kickoff plays.

The Chiefs' special teams has been strong particularly when you think of all the injuries its sustained. Kansas City's advantage across the board has led to the 12-1 record but if those small advantages start subsiding, it creates a problem.

Luckily, Reid is a weapon both on defense and the forgotten third. Butker may be out for a couple of more weeks, yet the Chiefs still have one of the best kickoff men in the NFL.

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