Main Story: Chiefs coach Andy Reid defended sending Harrison Butker out for a 54-yard field goal against Denver, saying the kick was within the veteran’s range. But Butker missed, helping set up the Broncos’ game-winning drive, and his recent struggles are raising doubts about whether Kansas City can trust him in key moments.

By the Numbers
  • Through 2023, Butker made 89.1% of his field goals and 70% of attempts from beyond 50 yards.
  • Since then, he has made 82.2% overall and 44.4% from beyond 50 yards.
  • This season, he is 1-for-5 from 50-plus yards; he has missed 3 significant kicks in 2 weeks.
Yes, But

Reid’s defense rests on the kick being within Butker’s range, but his recent record suggests that distance is no longer a reliable bet. Kansas City also has another option in Justin Tucker, whom the Chiefs recently added to their practice squad; Tucker has been out of the league since 2024 after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct.

Bottom Line

One missed kick does not settle Butker’s future, but his declining production from long range is making trust in high-pressure situations harder to justify—and his place on the Chiefs may be in jeopardy.