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Chiefs Say Harrison Butker is "Our Kicker"
There have been questions this week about whether veteran kicker Harrison Butker is the Kansas City Chiefs' kicker after they signed Justin Tucker this week, but special teams coach Dave Toub said that Butker is "our kicker," according to Nate Taylor of ESPN. "He went 10-for-10 yesterday, with Justin Tucker right there. We're going to keep working it," Toub said on Thursday. Head coach Andy Reid said on Wednesday that Butker would probably be the team's placekicker in Week 8 against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday. Speculation over the 31-year-old's job status in KC has come into question after he missed two of his three field-goal attempts in Sunday night's 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the Chiefs' first loss of the season. The 10-year veteran has made only 68.8% of his 16 field-goal attempts (five misses) through six games this year, and he has also missed one of his 15 extra-point tries. The Chiefs are going to give Butker time to work through his issues, but if he continues to struggle, Tucker could be given an opportunity. Butker will be a shaky starting kicker in fantasy lineups, even in the thin air in Denver this weekend.
Source: ESPN.com - Nate Taylor
Source: ESPN.com - Nate Taylor
Patrick Mahomes Has Lost His Must-Start Status
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes struggled in Sunday's 20-3 loss to Seattle, throwing for just 165 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. After throwing nine touchdowns in his first four games of the season, he has had zero touchdowns in his last two, adding just 437 passing yards and two interceptions in those outings. This lack of production continues to show Mahomes is no longer the key cog in the Chiefs' offense. Instead, they now rely on Kenneth Walker and the ground game. With a depleted receiving room (Rashee Rice remains questionable for Week 8), don't expect those vintage Mahomes performances to return anytime soon. Mahomes will still have weeks where he produces QB1 numbers, but with an offense no longer solely reliant on him and his production declining, he no longer warrants an automatic start tag. And with a Week 8 matchup against the Denver Broncos, he should remain on your bench.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rashee Rice Officially Limited in Wednesday's Practice
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (hamstring) was officially limited on Wednesday in his return to practice, according to the team. Rice suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 4 victory over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders and has missed each of the last two games, despite having the Week 5 bye to rest up. Wednesday was the 26-year-old's first practice since getting hurt, which will give him a chance to return to action this weekend versus the division-rival Denver Broncos in Week 8. Rice will most likely need to ramp up to a full practice by Friday to avoid a questionable tag going into the weekend. After having a minor knee procedure in the offseason, the former second-rounder from SMU has left a lot to be desired with his fantasy managers, as he has recorded only 13 catches on 17 targets for 190 yards and one touchdown in his four games played. He will be more volatile as a starting WR option in fantasy if he returns to face a Broncos defense that could be getting top cornerback Patrick Surtain II (ankle) back from a multi-game absence.
Source: Kansas City Chiefs
Source: Kansas City Chiefs
Cyrus Allen to See More Snaps in Week 8
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that rookie wide receiver Cyrus Allen will "get a little bit more snaps this week," according to Nate Taylor of ESPN. It is an interesting time for Reid to make this statement with top wideout Rashee Rice potentially returning in Week 8 against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday after missing the team's last two games due to a hamstring injury. Allen played only 15% of the offensive snaps in the Week 6 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and caught both of his targets for 27 yards. While playing a season-high 30% of the snaps in last week's Sunday night loss to the Seattle Seahawks, he caught just one of two targets for 18 yards. The 23-year-old fifth-rounder from Cincinnati did not see more than five offensive snaps in his first four regular-season NFL games, though, after impressing in training camp and the preseason. Even if Allen does see more of the field this weekend in the Mile High City, it will not necessarily guarantee him an uptick in production, especially if Rice returns. Allen is an intriguing deep-league stash, but he cannot realistically be trusted in any starting lineups.
Source: ESPN.com - Nate Taylor
Source: ESPN.com - Nate Taylor
Harrison Butker Likely to Kick in Week 8 for Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that kicker Harrison Butker will "probably" kick this Sunday in the Week 8 game on the road against the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star. Butker is on shaky ground in his 10th year in the NFL with the Chiefs after missing five of his 16 field-goal attempts and one of his 15 extra points in the team's first six games of the season, especially after the club signed free-agent veteran Justin Tucker on Wednesday as insurance in case he continues to struggle. So far this year, Butker has made a career-low 68.8% of his field-goal attempts, including going only 2-for-6 from long range (50-plus yards). About the only thing working in his favor this week for fantasy purposes is the fact that he will be kicking in the thin air in Denver, which should help his range. Otherwise, fantasy managers should treat him as a shaky, borderline starting kicker after he missed two of his three field-goal attempts in last Sunday's 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Source: The Kansas City Star - Sam McDowell
Source: The Kansas City Star - Sam McDowell
Rashee Rice Returning to Practice on Wednesday
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that wide receiver Rashee Rice (hamstring) will return to practice on Wednesday, according to Nate Taylor of ESPN. Rice suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 4 win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders and has missed each of the team's last two games despite having the Week 5 bye to heal. In the 26-year-old's absence, wideout Xavier Worthy has been operating as KC's WR1, but they would love to get Rice back for their Week 8 divisional showdown in Denver against the Broncos. In the season-opening win over the Broncos, Rice caught both of his targets for just 19 yards, but he also found the end zone for his only touchdown of the 2026 season. In Weeks 2 and 3, he was more productive, going over 80 receiving yards in wins over the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins. If Rice continues to make progress this week and is cleared to play in Denver, he could be matched up against top cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who could be ready to return from a multi-game absence due to an ankle injury.
Source: ESPN.com - Nate Taylor
Source: ESPN.com - Nate Taylor
Chiefs Appear Poised to Make a Move for a Wide Receiver
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Kansas City Chiefs appear poised to make a move for a wide receiver at this season's trade deadline. Fowler notes that injuries to Rashee Rice (hamstring) and Tyquan Thornton (ankle) have created holes in the passing game, and there are plenty of good wide receiver options available. Currently, the Chiefs' leading receiver at the position is Thornton, with 219 yards, which ranks 80th among all players this season. The team has made moves for receivers at the deadline in the past, trading for Kadarius Toney and DeAndre Hopkins. Players like Brian Thomas Jr., Josh Downs, and Jerry Jeudy could be options for the Chiefs as they chase their fourth Super Bowl in eight years. If they are unable to acquire a receiver at the deadline, a free agent like Tyreek Hill could be on the table as well.
Source: Jeremy Fowler - ESPN
Source: Jeremy Fowler - ESPN
Chiefs Sign Justin Tucker to their Practice Squad
The Kansas City Chiefs have signed veteran kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad, according to The Kansas City Star's Sam McDowell. They also worked out Ben Sauls and Harrison Mevis during the week but opted for Tucker. Tucker has played 13 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, making 89% of his kicks and earning five All-Pro and seven Pro Bowl honors. With Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker struggling, going 11 for 16 on the season, the team added Tucker to the practice squad. Tucker served a 10-week suspension last season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, so he is eligible to kick in Week 8, when the Chiefs face the Denver Broncos. While he is a risky fantasy option, Tucker offers upside if he can revert to his old self in this new situation with Kansas City.
Source: Sam McDowell
Source: Sam McDowell
Chiefs Sticking With Kicker Harrison Butker
Per the league's transaction report on Tuesday, the Kansas City Chiefs did not hold any kicker tryouts amid Harrison Butker's struggles. Butker continued to miss kicks in Sunday night's 20-3 loss on the road to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7, coming up short on a 58-yard attempt and later missing a 45-yard try wide right in the fourth quarter. The 31-year-old three-time Super Bowl winner has been a staple for fantasy managers in years past in KC's explosive offense, but that is no longer the case. So far through the first six games in 2026 in his 10th year in the league, Butker has made only 68.8% of his 16 field goal attempts, including going 2-for-6 from 50-plus yards out. He has also missed one of his 15 extra-point tries. At least for one more week this Sunday against the division-rival Denver Broncos, though, head coach Andy Reid will stick with the veteran placekicker. For Week 8 fantasy lineups, managers should consider him a borderline starting kicker with increased risk, although the thin air in Denver should help his distance.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Josh Simmons Placed on IR as Chiefs Future Stays Unclear
Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Josh Simmons (back) landed on injured reserve Thursday because of a bulging disc that has kept the 23-year-old sidelined all season, and head coach Andy Reid emphasized that a meeting incident was not responsible for the move. That incident was a disagreement between Simmons and Reid during an offensive meeting on Wednesday, October 21, when Simmons reportedly refused to lower his elevated feet, citing back and hip discomfort, before quarterback Patrick Mahomes also instructed him to leave and seek treatment. Simmons later apologized to Reid and team leadership. Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson has handled starting left tackle duties in Simmons' absence. Simmons' future with the organization is uncertain, as NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said Tuesday that he doesn't know whether the 2025 first-round pick will play for Kansas City again, a remark he made on ESPN's Big Day with Peter Schrager following reports of the disagreement. Kansas City has not announced any plans to part ways with Simmons.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Emmett Johnson Remains a Priority Handcuff Back to Target
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson has seen very limited usage in his team's offense to this point in 2026, recording 19 carries for 62 yards and nine catches for 109 yards on 11 targets. The Chiefs have given almost all of their backfield work to superstar RB1 Kenneth Walker, who currently leads the NFL in both yards per rush attempt and rushing yards per game. As long as Walker remains healthy, Johnson is highly unlikely to provide fantasy managers with consistently relevant production. However, Walker is also currently on pace to log nearly 400 touches this season, which may be an unsustainable workload. If Walker were to get injured, Johnson could assume a three-down role in Kansas City and would immediately vault into must-start territory for fantasy managers. In leagues where he remains available, Johnson profiles as a priority waiver wire handcuff stash.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Travis Kelce Ineffective in Defeat
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce hauled in four of eight targets for 44 yards in his team's 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football. Kelce either led or tied for the Chiefs' lead in each significant receiving category. However, he and the remainder of the pass catchers were held in check on a night when quarterback Patrick Mahomes averaged a paltry five yards per attempt and never orchestrated a red zone drive. Better days are ahead for the former third-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, but Kansas City's receiver corps is in desperate need of assistance, as their lack of depth is hurting the pass attack. We'll see if the 37-year-old can win back fantasy managers' favor with a bounce-back effort against the Denver Broncos in a divisional clash in his next outing.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Patrick Mahomes Held in Check on SNF
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 19 of 33 pass attempts for 165 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception in Sunday night's 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He added 14 yards on two carries. Mahomes and the Chiefs were clearly outmatched in this one against the defending Super Bowl champs. Kansas City's ground attack was nearly nonexistent, leaving the offense one-dimensional against one of the league's toughest units. Moreover, Seattle prevented the Chiefs from even entering the red zone. Week 7 marked the second straight game the Texas Tech product failed to record a touchdown pass. It's unlikely a trend, but it's at least mildly concerning for a team that has relied so heavily on the run and has an alarming need at the wide receiver position. Mahomes will get a slightly more palatable draw against their division-rival Denver Broncos his next time out.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kenneth Walker Stymied in Homecoming
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker rushed 14 times for 36 yards and caught four of five targets for 21 yards in his team's 20-3 loss to the hosting Seattle Seahawks. Walker was shut down by his former team in this one. Week 7 marked the first time the fifth-year pro failed to rush for 100 yards or score a touchdown in 2026, as Kansas City's passing game stalled. Fortunately for fantasy managers, he salvaged his day with some receiving production, but it was an all-around dud for the league's leading rusher heading into the weekend. With that subpar outing behind him, Walker can turn his sights on a much more beatable Denver Broncos run defense in Week 8. Including Sunday's win over Arizona, Denver's D ranks in the bottom five in rushing yards per game (133.3), setting up an excellent rebound opportunity for the Tennessee native.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Emmett Johnson a Fine Bench Stash
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson hasn't been involved enough to garner standalone value in his rookie season. However, he's a worthy bench stash as we approach the halfway mark of the campaign. Johnson isn't the fastest or most agile back, but he runs hard and had a nice role in the receiving game during his tenure at the University of Nebraska. In the former Cornhusker's final two collegiate seasons, he piled up an 85/656/5 line through the air. While he hasn't had the same opportunity in the pros, Johnson is poised to fill a pristine role if backfield mate Kenneth Walker III ever misses time. For now, fantasy managers with an extra bench spot would do well to stow the 23-year-old away for a rainy day. Johnson is the clear handcuff to own in Kansas City, and could see a slight uptick in touches this Sunday night with teammate Brashard Smith (hamstring) being placed on IR.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
