2026 Week 8 Fantasy Football Breaking News: Harrison Butker Likely to Kick for Chiefs Despite Justin Tucker Signing

According to ProFootballTalk (NBC Sports), Harrison Butker is expected to remain the Kansas City Chiefs' kicker against the Broncos this week — but his job security is clearly on notice. Head coach Andy Reid said Butker will "probably" handle kicking duties, a tepid endorsement that reflects the kicker's recent struggles. Butker has missed five field goals this season, including four over the last two weeks, prompting the Chiefs to sign veteran Justin Tucker to the practice squad as a contingency.

Harrison Butker

Butker's fantasy value has taken a real hit. Five missed field goals in 2026, with four coming in just the last two weeks, makes him one of the least reliable kickers to roster right now. Reid's "probably" is not a ringing endorsement — it's a warning shot dressed in coach-speak. If you're in a deeper league and have a viable waiver alternative, this is the week to at least check the wire. Butker's floor is shaky, and the Chiefs' implicit threat of Tucker waiting in the wings adds mental pressure that rarely helps a struggling kicker's performance.

Tucker's path to actually playing this week runs through Butker's Sunday performance, per the report. ProFootballTalk (NBC Sports) notes Tucker's background — he was released by the Ravens in May 2025 following misconduct allegations and served a 10-game suspension under the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy — but Reid said the team did its homework and Tucker impressed in a Tuesday workout. For now, Tucker is practice-squad insurance, not a fantasy-relevant option. Monitor Butker's status throughout the week; if the Chiefs make a change, Tucker's upside as a former elite kicker makes him worth a quick waiver claim in most formats.