Chiefs sign potential K. Harrison Butker replacement: report
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New York Jets kicker Matt Ammendola.
It seems the Kansas City Chiefs may not count on Justin Reid’s safety to score field goals for them if Harrison Butker is too injured to play.
The Chiefs added kicker Matt Ammendola to their practice squad on Sept. 12, according to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson.
Butker injured his ankle in Kansas City’s 44-21 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1. The injury forced Butker to make kickoffs, which is why Reid was seen making kickoffs for the Chiefs. Butker remained in the field goal unit after the injury, but had to cut his recovery to prevent further injury.
Head coach Andy Reid gave no further details about Butker’s injury after the game. But signing Ammendola gives Butker a hint that he may miss the Chiefs’ second week against the Los Angeles Chargers, with the game taking place on Thursday, Sept. 15.
Ammendola joined the league in 2021 without a call-up from Oklahoma State. He signed with the New York Jets in July 2021 and played 11 games for them during the 2021 season. This season, Ammendola reportedly made 13 of 19 field goal attempts and 14 of 15 point-after attempts Pro Soccer Reference.
Ammendola was released by the Jets in March and spent time with the Houston Texans this summer.
Reid reacts to kicks in regular season game
Justin Reid spoke to the media after Kansas City’s Week 1 win and responded to the opportunity to step in a regular season game.
“We might need to talk about throwing in some incentives, but I really had a lot of fun out there,” Reid said. “It took me back to my high school days to just be out there and have fun.”
When asked if he could have made the 54-yard field goal Butker made after his injury, Reid took the time to give his teammate credit.
“Yeah I did, I knew that, but shooting I’m telling you, impressive as I’m about to say, a safety kick is how about (Butker) taking a step to take a 54-yard field- goal,” Reid said. “That was incredible. I know about kicking but it was absolutely incredible for him to get through there and grind through the pain and take a step to drive it home but I could have done it too. Honestly, they made the right decision to send Butker there.”
Reid pleased with KC’s defense vs. Cardinals
In addition to his kicks, Reid also spoke about Kansas City’s defensive performance against Arizona.
“I think we had a great game plan put together by (Steve Spagnuolo) to really corral (Kyler Murray),” Reid explained. “Don’t let him get balls behind us. Don’t let him roam the field all day. The defensive line did a really great job of keeping him in check. Second place made sure the big ball was really taken away and we just ran.
“There is always room to get better. There are a few games out there or some mistakes that need to be ironed out and we need to look at ourselves and hold ourselves accountable and keep getting better and not just be content with what we’ve done. We have to be ready to move forward and continue to excel because there’s another one coming our way very quickly.”
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