Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has been placed on injured reserve ahead of Week 11 in the NFL season.
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reports that Butker’s designation is due to a knee injury, sidelining him for the coming weeks.
“Sources: Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is expected to miss 3-4 weeks and is likely headed to injured reserve with a left knee injury,” Pelissero posted on X.
NFL Network colleague Ian Rapoport later elaborated on Butker’s unexpected move to IR, revealing that the kicker is set to undergo knee surgery.
“Chiefs K Harrison Butker is expected to have surgery to trim his meniscus in his left knee, per source,” Rapoport shared. “That’s why he’s headed to IR, though he’ll be back for the home stretch and playoffs.”
In response to Butker’s absence, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Chiefs signed kicker Spencer Shrader from the New York Jets’ practice squad.
With a minimum four-game absence on IR, Butker will miss matchups against the Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers.
Chiefs Sign Rookie Spencer Shrader as Temporary Replacement
With Butker sidelined, Shrader has been added to the active roster and is expected to take over as starting kicker for Week 11 against the Bills.
Shrader, an undrafted rookie, spent four seasons at South Florida before playing his final collegiate year at Notre Dame. During his college career, he maintained a 68.3% field goal accuracy, making 43 out of 63 attempts.
On a positive note, Shrader’s extra point success was impressive at 98.7%, having converted 156 out of 158 attempts.
At Notre Dame, Shrader went 15-for-22 on field goals, matching his career average of 68.2%. Professionally, he has had stints with the Indianapolis Colts and Jets, making one regular-season appearance with each team.
While with the Colts in Week 1, Shrader was 3-for-3 on extra points, though he was not called upon for a field goal attempt. In Week 10 with the Jets, Shrader converted both field goal attempts, including one from 45 yards. He did not have an extra point opportunity with the Jets.
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster Expected Back for Bills Game
Butker’s IR designation is another setback for the Chiefs amid a season marred by injuries. However, there’s encouraging news regarding wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring), who has returned to full practice ahead of the Bills game.
“For the second straight day, everyone on the Chiefs’ 53-man roster will practice,” Arrowhead Pride beat writer Pete Sweeney noted on X, including Smith-Schuster, who practiced fully on Thursday and is expected to return.
Alongside Butker’s absence, Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive end Charles Omenihu were “limited” participants on November 14. Head coach Andy Reid suggested it’s “unlikely” either will play in Week 11, with Week 12 against the Panthers potentially more realistic for their return.
