Chiefs sign suspended kicker Justin Tucker to practice squad

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid signed kicker Justin Tucker to the practice squad on Wednesday, ending a year-long absence from the league following a suspension for sexual misconduct. The 37-year-old veteran joins the team after serving the first 10 weeks of the 2025 season without a contract. Reid offered a concise justification for the move, stating that Tucker completed his suspension and handled the situation privately. He noted, "He’s done his suspension. Took care of his business there. I’ll leave it at that." When pressed on the message the signing sends to female fans, Reid maintained that the team conducted thorough due diligence. "We try to do our homework best way we possibly can, and talk to a lot of people, and make sure things are okay," he said.

The addition of Tucker addresses a specific need at the kicking position for the Chiefs. Starting kicker Harrison Butker has missed five of his 16 field-goal attempts this season. Tucker provides immediate depth and competition. Although he played his final season for the Baltimore Ravens in 2024, his statistical record remains strong historically. He ranks second in NFL history for field-goal conversion percentage. However, his final year with Baltimore saw his success rate drop to a career-low 73.3%.

The signing follows a period of uncertainty for Tucker. In January 2025, The Baltimore Banner published accounts from six women who accused Tucker of nonconsensual sexual behavior during massage sessions between 2012 and 2016. The report alleged that Tucker exposed his genitals and brushed women with his exposed penis. The NFL investigated these claims and suspended Tucker for the first 10 weeks of the 2025 season. He remained unsigned for the entire year. NFL reporter Aaron Wilson noted that Tucker worked out with the Miami Dolphins earlier this year, indicating his active search for a roster spot.

Reid described his evaluation process as focused on the timeline and the player's conduct since the allegations. "I try to do homework on it, see exactly what’s taken place since. He served a suspension, there’s been time involved with it. That’s how I evaluate it," Reid explained. He declined to elaborate on the specific details of the vetting process, adding, "I’m not going to get into all of that." The decision rests with the front office, led by general manager Brett Veach, who has been tasked with assembling the roster.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes supported the organizational approach when asked about the signing on Wednesday. He expressed confidence in the front office's ability to make sound personnel decisions. "We had a lot of people that we’ve added in and out," Mahomes said. "I try not to get too high or too low on anything. I know [general manager Brett] Veach [and the front office] do a great job of bringing great players in." Mahomes added that his primary focus remained on the team's recent game against the Denver Broncos and the process of continuous improvement.

Tucker's presence on the practice squad places him in direct competition with Butker. The Chiefs have not announced a timeline for promoting Tucker to the active roster. The team currently holds a position to challenge for a playoff berth, and the kicking unit's performance will be monitored closely in upcoming games. Tucker's experience provides a safety net for the coaching staff if Butker's inconsistency continues. The front office completed the signing without a public press conference, relying on Reid's post-game remarks to explain the rationale.