The Kansas City Chiefs had a few important notes from Day 1 of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. The Chiefs had a couple of notable absences, including kicker Harrison Butker. Tuesday’s practice was the first since the team had to cancel all team activities last Thursday due to defensive end BJ Thompson’s health scare.
Butker is set to see his playing time greatly diminish this season due to the league’s new kickoff rule, as the Chiefs don’t want to take the risk of him being injured while trying to make a tackle. He’s too valuable for the field goal unit.
Justin Reid is expected to have kickoff duties this season
As previously discussed on GH, safety Justin Reid had been practicing on his own time to prepare for his use on kickoffs:
Justin Reid was one of the players who talked to the media on Friday. Per Bobby Kownack with the NFL’s website, Justin said he’s working on his kicks outside of practice:
[Justin] told reporters he’s been working with footballs and a tee separate from organized team activities to stay sharp. The next step after an offseason of kicking practice will likely be giving Reid a shot to showcase his abilities in preseason, just as he’s wanted for the past couple years.
Reid has experience as a kicker for the Chiefs. During their Week 1 game against the Arizona Cardinals in the 2022 season, he helped to fill in for Butker, who suffered an injury during the first half. Reid went 1/2 on extra points and kicked off seven times. Five of those kickoffs were touchbacks.
Reid stepped in for an absent Harrison Butker
Per Pete Sweeney with Arrowhead Pride, Reid kicked in place of Butker during their special teams period. Butker was one of three players who missed Tuesday’s practice.
Butker missed due to an illness. Thompson, who Butker rushed to get help for during his cardiac arrest, was not present Tuesday. Thompson has been released from the hospital. Offensive guard Joe Thuney was out due to his pec injury.
Kansas City Chiefs WR Rashee Rice had the best practice
Rashee Rice didn’t seem distracted from all of his offseason legal issues on Tuesday. Several beat reporters said he had the best day of any player at practice. Per Sweeney, Rice caught three touchdown receptions during the 11-on-11 drill. He grabbed another touchdown reception during the 7-on-7 drill.
