Kansas City Chiefs’ Kicker Harrison Butker Injury Update and Week 13 Preparations

The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for their Week 13 matchup against the Denver Broncos with significant changes in their special teams unit. Kicker Harrison Butker remains sidelined due to a right ankle injury he sustained in the team’s previous game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Butker underwent an MRI which confirmed that he would not be available for at least one more week. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed Butker’s absence, stating, “We just want to make sure he is right before bringing him back to play. We don’t want to risk any further injury.” His replacement, kicker Spencer Shrader, was also ruled out for Friday’s practice due to an illness, leading the team to elevate kicker Matthew Wright from the practice squad for the upcoming game. Wright previously had experience kicking for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Reid emphasized the need for consistency in special teams, saying, “Every kick matters, especially in tight games.” As the Chiefs look to extend their winning streak and improve their playoff positioning, the absence of both kickers raises questions about the effectiveness of their special teams. The Chiefs are currently leading the AFC West with a 9-2 record.