Chiefs sign kicker Justin Tucker to practice squad after 10-week suspension

The Kansas City Chiefs signed Justin Tucker to their practice squad on Wednesday. The 37-year-old kicker was suspended for the first 10 weeks of the 2025 season following an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. He remains the second all-time leader in the NFL for field-goal kicking percentage.

Tucker last played in the 2024 season with the Baltimore Ravens. In January 2025, The Baltimore Banner published accounts from six women who accused him of nonconsensual sexual behavior during massage therapy sessions between 2012 and 2016. The report stated that he exposed his genitals and brushed women with his exposed penis. The NFL suspended him after its review, but he went unsigned for the entire 2025 season. Earlier this year, NFL reporter Aaron Wilson noted that Tucker worked out with the Miami Dolphins.

The Chiefs added Tucker to address struggles at the kicking position. Starting kicker Harrison Butker has missed five of his 16 field-goal attempts this season. Head coach Andy Reid stated that the team conducted thorough research before making the decision. He told reporters, 'We try to do our homework best way we possibly can, and talk to a lot of people, and make sure things are okay.' When asked about the specific steps taken to vet Tucker, Reid said, 'I’m not going to get into all of that.'

Reid addressed the message the signing sends to female fans. He said, 'He’s done his suspension. Took care of his business there. I’ll leave it at that.' He added that he evaluates players based on the time that has passed since their suspension and what has happened in the interim.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes also spoke about the move on Wednesday. Mahomes expressed confidence in the front office, including general manager Brett Veach. 'I try not to get too high or too low on anything,' Mahomes said. 'I know [general manager Brett] Veach [and the front office] do a great job of bringing great players in. But for me, it was about the Denver Broncos and moving on and continuing to get better.'

Tucker struggled during his final season with the Ravens. He converted a career-worst 73.3% of his field-goal attempts. He will now compete with Butker for a spot on the active roster.