The Kansas City Chiefs were dealt a big blow as they prepare for their marquee road game on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Kicker Harrison Butker is likely headed to Injured Reserve with a knee injury according to NFL Insider Tom Pelissero. He will likely be out for 3-4 weeks. This move came as a shock to Chiefs fans everywhere as he was not listed on Wednesday’s injury report and was limited in practice today.
Fast forward a few hours and Butker is slated to be sidelined for an extended period. He is 18-0f-20 on field goal attempts this season and eighth in the league with 75 points. Butker has helped the Chiefs win games this season. He hit a walk-off field goal in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals and a go-ahead field goal last week against the Denver Broncos. How will the Kansas City Chiefs fare in the absence of one of the league’s best players at his position?
Kansas City Chiefs Season Summary
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The Kansas City Chiefs are the NFL’s lone undefeated team at 9-0. They have been able to keep their winning streak going with a solid defense and a clutch offense led by Quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Last week against the Denver Broncos, KC’s special teams came up big as they blocked a 35-yard field goal that would have ended Kansas City’s undefeated season.
Kansas City will turn to Kicker Spencer Shrader to fill the shoes of Butker beginning on Sunday. Shrader was signed off the practice squad of the New York Jets. Shrader began the season with the Indianapolis Colts and was 2-of-2 for New York this season. He is an undrafted rookie out of Notre Dame and will have an opportunity to prove his mettle as a member of the two-time defending champions.
Final Thoughts
The first game of Butker’s absence will be on the road against the Buffalo Bills. Kansas City then heads on the road against the Carolina Panthers. Many teams this season have been undone by kicking woes this season. The Jets are 11-of-17 on field goals this season and the Atlanta Falcons are 17-of-24. The Kansas City Chiefs are chasing history as they are looking to have the first three-peat of the Super Bowl era. Kansas City must continue playing well in all three faces as they look to stay perfect, and not be sidetracked by losing a key member of their team.
