Tag: Spencer Shrader

Is Harrison Butker playing today? Injury updates for Chiefs kicker

#Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is dealing with a knee injury. Here are the latest updates. 

The Kansas City Chiefs have been without their starting kicker Harrison Butker since he was placed on injured reserve in November.

Will Butker be ready to make his first appearance since Week 10 when the Chiefs face off against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon?

Here is the latest info on his status ahead of today’s matchup against the Browns:

Harrison Butker injury update

Butker took time off after he underwent knee surgery, which was expected to keep him on the sidelines for a few weeks. He returned to practice on Wednesday and was activated from Kansas City’s injured reserve list on Saturday.

How long will Harrison Butker be out?

Butker is expected to make his comeback this afternoon. His activation from the Chiefs’ injured reserve list coincided with the release of Matthew Wright, who had been filling in for Butker in Kansas City’s starting lineup.

Chiefs kicker depth chart

Butker is the Chiefs’ only active kicker. Kansas City still has Spencer Shrader under contract, but he is currently on the Chiefs’ injured reserve list.

Chiefs Dave Toub reveals injury recovery timeline for Harrison Butker: ‘He just started kicking’

Kansas City #Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub reveals injury recovery timeline for Harrison Butker: ‘He just started kicking’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub spoke with reporters on Thursday about kicker Harrison Butker’s injury recovery progress.

“He looked good. We got to see how he responds. He’s going to kick again today.” said Toub. And put a little bit more on him. And I think he looks pretty good. We’ll see.”

The Chiefs have managed well without Butker, utilizing Spencer Shrader and Matthew Wright in his place. The latter won AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors for his efforts against the Los Angeles Chargers.

“If Harrison (Butker) is back, he’s back; I think he’ll get better as we keep him kicking more. He just started kicking again, as he’s starting to feel better, starting to get his power back, and it’s going to be a little bit before we, you know, he’s a hundred percent,” said Toub. “I’d say maybe two or three weeks, hitting the ground running time for playoffs. So, we got him back on that horse and back out there and going again. I mean, he had surgery on his knee. So we have to remember that and manage him.”

Butker had successful knee surgery last month and is returning to playing shape for the postseason. The Chiefs hope he will bring the consistency and strong leg that have helped them capture three Super Bowl titles.

Will Harrison Butker play this week? Injury updates for Chiefs kicker

Kansas City #Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is dealing with a knee injury. Here are the latest updates. 

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker returned to practice this week after spending time on the team’s injured reserve list.

In Butker’s absence, the Chiefs have relied on two kickers—Spencer Shrader and Matthew Wright—to lead their special teams unit.

Will Butker be available for Kansas City’s Week 15 matchup against the Cleveland Browns?

Harrison Butker injury update

Butker was a limited participant in the Chiefs’ practice sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. He does not yet have a game designation.

How long will Harrison Butker be out?

Though Butker could be activated at any time, it seems likely that Kansas City will continue to rely on Wright until he returns to full participation in practice.

Chiefs kicker depth chart

Wright is currently the Chiefs’ starting kicker while Butker remains on Kansas City’s injured reserve list. When Butker returns to the field, Wright will likely be waived and may have a chance to return to the Chiefs’ practice squad or be picked up by another team.

Chiefs K Matthew Wright earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after game-winning field goal

Kansas City #Chiefs kicker Matthew Wright earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after game-winning field goal | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs thrillingly escaped Week 14 with their victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, clinching a ninth straight AFC West division title. Kicker Matthew Wright’s dramatic game-winning field goal and contributions throughout the game sealed the impressive home win.

For his efforts against Los Angeles, Wright earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors, an unexpected accomplishment from the Chiefs’ third kicker this season playing above expectations. He is the second Kansas City player to win in the special teams category following Leo Chenal’s Week 10 performance, blocking the potential game-winning field goal against the Denver Broncos.

Wright converted all four field goal attempts, including the game-winning 31-yard field goal, with no time remaining on Sunday Night Football. This is the second-career Special Teams Player of the Week award for Wright, becoming the second Chiefs kicker to win the honor in the past 10 seasons, joining five-time winner Harrison Butker.

Wright becomes the second former UCF kicker to win multiple Special Teams Player of the Week awards, joining 15-time winner Matt Prater. Since replacing injured kicker Spencer Shrader in the lineup, Wright has stepped into clutch scenarios for Kansas City and has delivered, keeping their top AFC record intact.

Chiefs’ special teams unit adjusts to their third kicker this season: ‘It’s an adventure’

Kansas City #Chiefs’ special teams unit adjusts to their third kicker this season: ‘It’s an adventure’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ injuries continue to pile up in 2024, with another week of scrambling to replace another injured kicker. Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub explained the challenge of adjusting to new kickers during a press conference earlier in the week.

“It’s been – it’s an adventure, really. I mean, a lot of credit goes to our long snapper (James Winchester) and our holder, Matt Araiza,” said Toub. “Getting those guys and spending the time and figuring them out exactly how he wants – how the kicker wants the holds because it’s different for each kicker. He’s done a really good job with that. It says a lot about them and their professionalism.”

On Black Friday, Wright stepped in for Spencer Shrader against the Las Vegas Raiders. Shrader had recently been placed on injured reserve alongside Butker. He connected on four of five field goal attempts, with the only miss being well over 50 yards. The adjustments on special teams to accommodate were challenging, especially for inexperienced holder Matt Ariaza.

“He’s (Matt Araiza) a quick learner,” said Toub. “(Harrison) Butker really trained him well and he’s able to take these guys and just adjust. He’s just a good football player – and a good tackler too (laughter).”

After playing two games with them in the 2022 season, Wright played his first game back with the Chiefs in Week 13. He tied a single-game career-high with four made field goals.

Is Harrison Butker playing today? Injury updates for Chiefs kicker

#Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is dealing with a knee injury. Here are the latest updates. 

The Kansas City Chiefs have been without star kicker Harrison Butker since he was placed on injured reserve in November.

His last appearance on the field was in Week 10 when Kansas City faced the Denver Broncos.

Is Butker ready to make his comeback during the Chiefs’ Week 14 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football?

Harrison Butker injury update

Butker required surgery after suffering a knee injury. He was placed on Kansas City’s injured reserve list and hasn’t yet returned to practice. However, Butker’s surgery was successful, and he has a good chance to return for the playoffs.

How long will Harrison Butker be out?

Head coach Andy Reid commented that Butker could be reactivated as soon as Week 15 when the Chiefs play the Cleveland Bengals.

He will not be available to play on Sunday Night Football against the Chargers.

Chiefs kicker depth chart

Kansas City signed Spencer Shrader to fill in for Butker. Unfortunately, after playing in two games, Shrader was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring issue.

Matthew Wright will be the Chiefs’ kicker in Week 14.

Chiefs place kicker on IR, sign Matthew Wright from practice squad

The Kansas City #Chiefs placed Spencer Shrader on injured reserve, and signed Matthew Wright from their practice squad on Wednesday.

The Kansas City Chiefs have dealt with a serious rash of injuries this season, and are now set to place their second kicker on injured reserve.

After backup kicker Spencer Shrader, who replaced Harrison Butker, suffered a hamstring injury, Kansas City signed Matthew Wright ahead of their Week 13 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Wright scored 13 points in the Chiefs’ win over Las Vegas on Black Friday and is now set to be Kansas City’s starting kicker after Shrader was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday, December 4.

The team announced its decision to place Shrader on injured reserve and sign Wright in a post to Twitter:

Though the Chiefs would certainly prefer to have Butker back as their starting kicker, Wright has proven to be a reliable boot for Kansas City in the past and should be able to adequately fill the role in the defending Super Bowl champions’ Week 14 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Will Spencer Shrader play this week? Injury updates for Chiefs kicker

#Chiefs kicker Spencer Shrader is dealing with a hamstring injury. Here are the latest updates. 

The Kansas City Chiefs recently added kicker Spencer Shrader when they were forced to place Harrison Butker on injured reserve.

While Shrader has done an admirable job in his two games with the Chiefs, he is already dealing with an injury himself.

Will Kansas City need to start a new kicker when they face the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday?

Spencer Shrader injury update

Shrader has sustained an injury to his right hamstring and he was not available to practice on Tuesday or Wednesday.

While there may still be remaining hope for him to play against the Raiders, the Chiefs signed veteran kicker Matthew Wright to take his place on Friday if necessary.

How long will Spencer Shrader be out?

It is unclear whether Shrader will need to miss time in Week 13, but it seems likely that he will be sidelined on Friday given that he has missed two practices and Kansas City’s decision to sign Wright.

Chiefs K depth chart

If Shrader is officially ruled out, Wright will take over as the Chiefs’ starting kicker.

Chiefs K Spencer Shrader describes the moments before his game-winning field goal

Kansas City #Chiefs kicker Spencer Shrader describes the moments before his game-winning field goal | @EdEastonJr

The game-winning drive led by Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs offense has led to their conference-leading 10-1 record after Week 12. The field goal to win in regulation differed as rookie Spender Shrader stepped in for injured starter Harrison Butker.

Steadier spoke with the media during his postgame press conference on Sunday, explaining his mindset heading into the game-winning moment.

“I think the biggest emotion in that moment is gratitude and happy that I was able to go out and perform for the team. When you join an organization like the Chiefs, there’s a championship culture and a standard to uphold,” said Shrader. “For me, I just wanted to come in and do my best for the team for as long as I’m here. I was grateful to be put in this situation today and to step up and put up a couple of points up there. But, it’s a team effort at the end of the day, so I’m just really grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this team.”

The Chiefs’ final drive to put Shrader in position wasn’t a shock to the former Notre Dame standout, who is well aware of the offensive players’ talent and gusto.

“I try to prepare myself before that. You know the talent of the guys on your team, who your quarterback is, and who your offensive weapons are,” said Shrader. “So I knew I’d be getting an opportunity, so I just tried to stay calm, understand that it was going to come at some point, and when it did come, I was ready. That comes from belief in the team that they’re going to get you in that situation, and you go out there and just knock it through.”

Shrader has been perfect since signing with the team after two games and appears to fit the team’s culture and winning system.

Chiefs TE Noah Gray discusses the team’s poise on the winning drive: ‘A lot of confidence in each other’

Kansas City #Chiefs TE Noah Gray discusses the team’s poise on the winning drive: ‘A lot of confidence in each other’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray spoke with reporters on Sunday after the victory over the Carolina Panthers. He explained the team’s uncanny ability not to get rattled after almost blowing a two-score lead in the fourth quarter.

“It goes back to the guys and trusting the guys on the team,” said Gray. “This is a great group of guys and I am fortunate enough to practice with them all week. The preparation that goes into it, from the coaches all the way down to the players, just super fortunate to play alongside those guys.”

Gray had another standout game, leading the team with two touchdown receptions, but he understood the formula for a comeback after the Panthers tied the game in regulation.

“We trust every single one of those guys in that locker room. We always have a lot of confidence in each other, and fortunately Spence made a phenomenal kick down the stretch,” said Gray. “You know, he’s only been here for a week and a half. But shout out to Spence, man; I mean, that guy just came to work and just kept his head down. He’s a humble dude, and he made a great kick to get the win for us.”

Sunday marks the first time the Chiefs had a pass catcher record at least two touchdown receptions in back-to-back games since WR Tyreek Hill accomplished the feat vs. the New York Jets and the Carolina Panthers during the 2020 season. Gray finished his record-setting day by tying single-game career highs for catches (four) and receiving yards (66) to go with the two touchdowns en route to Kansas City’s 30-27 victory.