The Kansas City Chiefs already clinched a playoff spot with five games to go in the season. Now, they have shifted their focus to securing the first-round bye and getting healthier for the postseason.

One player they are desperately hoping to get back soon is kicker Harrison Butker. One of the best in the game, Butker has missed the last three games after landing on injured reserve to undergo surgery on his left knee. Being placed on the IR list meant that Butker would be sidelined for at least four games.

The showdown against the Chargers on Sunday will be Butker’s fourth missed game. He is eligible to return in Week 15, and head coach Andy Reid suggested that there are no setbacks in Butker’s recovery.

Chiefs News: K Harrison Butker Returning Soon

#Chiefs HC Andy Reid says that K Harrison Butker is "potentially" on target for the original return timeline: "We'll see how he does in the next week or two."

— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) December 4, 2024

The Chiefs have been playing a ton of close games this season. Despite their 11-1 record, the Chiefs have won most of their games by one possession. Having a reliable kicker is especially important in these circumstances.

Butker has once again been one of the best kickers in the league this season, converting 18 of his 20 field goal attempts, his only misses coming on 50+ yard attempts.

Fortunately for the Chiefs, they didn’t miss Butker in his absence so far. Spencer Shrader performed admirably in his stead before suffering a hamstring injury himself. Matthew Wright kicked for the Chiefs against the Raiders last week and went 4/5 in field goal attempts while making his only extra-point attempt.

Wright will once again be kicking for Kansas City in Week 14, but Chiefs fans are hoping to have Butker back after that. Reid’s update is a good sign of that possibility.