Is Harrison Butker playing tomorrow? Latest on Chiefs K for Week 16 clash vs Texans

Harrison Butker's status remains a key focus for Kansas City Chiefs fans heading into their Week 16 matchup against the Houston Texans. The veteran kicker, who recently returned from knee surgery, has drawn attention following his performance in Week 15.

Butker will be active for Saturday's game against the Texans. The Chiefs kicker participated fully in Wednesday's practice. This shows continued progress in his recovery from knee surgery that previously landed him on injured reserve.

The nine-year veteran demonstrated his availability in Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns, though his return included some unexpected challenges. While he successfully converted all three extra-point attempts, Butker missed his lone field goal try from 29 yards out.

NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Kansas City Chiefs - Source: Imagn

Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub shed light on the situation during this week's press conference on Tuesday.

"He's healthy. Obviously, he's not 100%, but he's pretty close," Toub said. "He's looked good in practice, he looked good before that game, he looked good in the pregame."

The timing of Harrison Butker's return appears strategic as Kansas City positions itself for another playoff run.

How communication mishap led to Harrison Butker's rare miss

NFL: New Orleans Saints at Kansas City Chiefs - Source: Imagn

Toub took responsibility for the missed field goal against Cleveland, citing communication issues rather than any physical limitations.

"On the miss, I need to do a better job of communicating to the holder and the snapper that we're going to kick the field goal," Toub said.

The missed attempt marked an unusual occurrence for Butker, who had previously converted all 57 attempts from the 20-29-yard range since entering the league in 2017. Despite this setback, his season statistics remain impressive, going 18-for-21 on field goals (85.7%) and 24-for-25 on extra points (96%).

Fans watching the game might have noticed Harrison Butker's distinctive kicking technique, which includes a leg collapse after follow-through. Toub clarified this isn't related to the recent injury.

"That's his technique... He developed that technique after he got injured in the Arizona game a couple of years ago," he said.

Looking ahead to Saturday's matchup, fantasy managers can maintain confidence in Harrison Butker. He ranks as the ninth-best kicker in RotoBaller rankings for Week 16, making him a viable option for teams competing in fantasy playoffs.