The Kansas City Chiefs could be without kicker Harrison Butker when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16 on Sunday.
After his placement on the COVID reserve list, along with many others, Butker is among the group of players for whom they’ll need to “wait and see” concerning their availability after mid-week testing.
The Chiefs already had a trio of players placed within COVID protocols last week who were forced to miss the team’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15 on Thursday Night Football. Defensive tackle Chris Jones, wide receiver Josh Gordon, and linebacker Willie Gay, Jr. were all forced to sit out an important AFC West contest due to the coronavirus and/or league protocols surrounding COVID. Fortunately, the Chiefs still came out on top despite their absence.
On Monday, Butker was among the newer players added to the list, including cornerback Charvarius Ward and tight end Travis Kelce. If there’s at least a ray of hope, it can be found in the following:
Chiefs now have six players in the COVID protocols
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) December 20, 2021
- Travis Kelce
- Chris Jones
- Charvarius Ward
- Harrison Butker
- Josh Gordon
- Willie Gay
However, source tells me nobody on that list has more than "cold-like symptoms" which bodes well for a quick turnaround
If the Chiefs are forced to go without Butker on Sunday, Elliott Fry would be the answer to replace him. Fry was recently added to the practice squad for such an instance after spending part of the year with the Atlanta Falcons. The Chiefs haven’t had a kicker attempt a single field goal or kickoff other than Butker since early in 2017 when Cairo Santos still had a hold on the job. Butker joined the Chiefs that year as a practice squad grab from the Carolina Panthers when Santos when down with a groin injury.
Butker has made 22 of 25 field goals so far in 14 games this season for the Chiefs.