Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will miss Sunday’s key AFC game against the Pittsburgh Steelers because of COVID-19 protocols, NFL Network reported Wednesday.
Butker is unvaccinated, meaning he needs to sit out a minimum of 10 days after testing positive. Butker tested positive on Monday, per the report.
Kicking instead for the Chiefs on their home field will be 27-year-old Elliott Fry, who appeared in one game with the Atlanta Falcons in 2020. He connected on a 23-yard field goal and made one of two extra point attempts.
Butker, 26, is 22 of 25 on field goal tries this season and 41 of 43 on extra point attempts. His career 89.9 percent success rate on field goals is second best in NFL history behind Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens.
For the Chiefs, tight end Travis Kelce and receiver Tyreek Hill are on the reserve/COVID list, but it’s possible that vaccinated players could return in time for Sunday’s game in Kansas City.
For the Steelers, linebackers Devin Bush and Marcus Allen, as well as offensive tackle Zach Banner, are on the reserve/COVID list.
The game has significant playoff implications for both teams. The Chiefs (10-4) could move a step closer to the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a win. The Steelers (7-6-1) need a win to stay in contention for a wild-card berth.
–Field Level Media