Chiefs Add Justin Tucker to Practice Squad as Butker Struggles
Kansas City signs former All-Pro kicker Justin Tucker to its practice squad following his NFL suspension for personal conduct violations.
The Kansas City Chiefs have signed former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad, according to ESPN [3]. The move comes as starting kicker Harrison Butker struggles, having missed five of his 16 field goal attempts this season [2].
Tucker, 37, has not played in the NFL since 2024 after the league suspended him for 10 games for violating the personal conduct policy [1]. The suspension followed accusations of sexual misconduct by 16 massage therapists from the Baltimore area, which Tucker denied as "unequivocally false" [3].
The Baltimore Banner reported the initial allegations in January 2025, detailing claims of inappropriate behavior during massage sessions between 2012 and 2016 [5]. While Tucker maintained his innocence, the Ravens released him in May 2025, citing a "football decision" amid a career-worst 73.3% field goal conversion rate [2].
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed concerns about the signing by noting that Tucker served his suspension. "He’s done his suspension, took care of that business there," Reid said, per the Guardian [2]. Reid added that the team conducted thorough homework on the situation [5].
Tucker’s agent, Rob Roche, stated at the time of the suspension that they were disappointed but wanted to put the episode behind him [4]. The signing provides insurance for Butker, who missed two kicks in a recent loss to Seattle [3]. Tucker will compete with Harrison Mevis and Ben Sauls, who also worked out with the team.
Tucker, a seven-time Pro Bowler who won a Super Bowl in his rookie year, was once considered the NFL's best kicker [1]. His career field goal percentage is 89.1%, but his last season saw him miss 10 kicks, the most in his career [2].
The Chiefs face the Denver Broncos this Sunday, where Tucker may see action if Butker continues to struggle [1]. Tucker previously had a tryout with the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins during his suspension but remained unsigned until now [3].
Sources
This article is based on reporting by the outlets below.
- TMZ: Justin Tucker's Back In The NFL, Chiefs Signing Former All-Pro
- The Guardian: Chiefs sign Justin Tucker in wake of sexual misconduct allegations as Butker struggles
- ESPN: Sources: Chiefs sign former Ravens kicker Tucker to practice squad
- Us Weekly: Chiefs Sign Controversial Kicker Justin Tucker Amid Harrison Butker Struggles
- NBC News: Chiefs coach defends signing kicker who was suspended after sexual misconduct allegations
