The days of the replacement kicker are apparently over—for now.
The Kansas City Chiefs announced that they expect star kicker Harrison Butker to return to the team's active roster in time to be their go-to option on special teams for Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns.
In order to create a roster spot for Butker's return, the Chiefs have decided to release kicker Matthew Wright, according to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter.
Harrison Butker is back after missing only four games for the Chiefs.
The return of Butker for Week 15 was the best-case scenario for the Chiefs and their specialist going into his decision to have surgery in the first place. Butker underwent successful surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee and the stated hope at the time was that he would be ready in plenty of time for the postseason.
In response to the surgery, the Chiefs placed him on injured reserve, forcing him to miss four games, and that's the exact amount he was forced to miss.
Fortunately, the Chiefs' special teams kept going strong in Butker's absence, a testament to Dave Toub's coaching and the front office's ability to bring in reliable talent even in emergencies. The Chiefs leaned on Spencer Shrader for the first two games, but a hamstring injury forced general manager Brett Veach to locate a third kicker in Matthew Wright.
In Butker's absence, the Chiefs won 3 of 4 games including their last three contests by a total of 7 games. In that span, the Chiefs have kicked 11 field goals and Butker's backups have converted every single opportunity.
Butker should be healthy and ready for the stretch run now as the Chiefs seek a three-peat—the first in NFL history.