Chiefs sign Justin Tucker to practice squad as insurance for Butker

The Kansas City Chiefs are signing kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad, Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star first reported Wednesday morning. Adam Schefter, Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo all confirmed the move within minutes.

Tucker has not kicked in an NFL game since 2024. He served a 10-game suspension last season for violating the league's personal conduct policy following allegations of sexual misconduct. Because that suspension is already served, Pelissero noted he is eligible to kick Sunday if Kansas City needs him.

What is confirmed

Harrison Butker stays on the 53-man roster. Schefter said the Chiefs had an open practice squad spot and are using it to add depth and competition. Rapoport called Tucker insurance for Butker, who has been missing kicks this season.

The Chiefs worked out three kickers Tuesday, per Rapoport, and kept Tucker and Harrison Mevis around all day, giving both physicals. Pelissero said Tucker went 30 for 30 in the workout. Kansas City picked Tucker on experience and resume. Mevis is the same kicker the Rams released on Oct. 13.

What it means for Butker

Nothing about Butker's job changes today. A practice squad kicker needs a game-day elevation or a promotion to the active roster before he can play, so the Chiefs control the timing. Still, a team does not bring in a kicker with Tucker's history unless it wants a real alternative ready. One more bad week from Butker could flip this quickly.

What RSO owners should do now

If your league rosters kickers and you start Butker, keep him for now but have a backup plan. Tucker is worth a speculative add in deeper leagues with open bench spots because he could take over Kansas City's kicking job on short notice. Do not hand Tucker a contract with real guaranteed money; he is on a practice squad deal and has not kicked in a regular-season game since 2024.

What to watch next

Watch Kansas City's transaction wire on Saturday for a practice squad elevation, and watch Andy Reid's comments on Butker this week. If Tucker is elevated for Sunday, treat Butker as benched until the Chiefs say otherwise.