Butker Miss Sets Up Broncos’ Comeback Win Over Chiefs

The Chiefs led 24-21 when Butker attempted a 54-yard field goal with 2:36 left in the fourth quarter. The kick went wide right, and Denver answered with a two-play, 56-yard drive for the go-ahead touchdown. The Broncos held on to win 28-24, Kansas City’s second straight loss.

Butker made one of his two field-goal attempts and converted all three extra points. He has missed six field goals this season, a career high. Before Sunday’s game, he had made 68.8% of his attempts through Kansas City’s first six games, the lowest rate of his career at that point.

After the game, Butker said he had practiced well but knew the kick had come off his foot poorly. Coach Andy Reid defended the decision to attempt it, saying the distance was within Butker’s range.

The Chiefs had brought veteran kicker Justin Tucker onto their practice squad after Butker missed two important kicks against Seattle the previous week. Special teams coach Dave Toub had said the team still backed Butker, noting he made all 10 kicks in a practice attended by Tucker.

Kansas City is scheduled to host the New York Jets next Sunday. Butker’s latest miss is likely to intensify questions about whether the team will continue to rely on him with Tucker available.