KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs have decided to place kicker Harrison Butker on injured reserve as he undergoes knee surgery, although the team remains optimistic about his return for the playoffs, according to a source familiar with the matter.

To cover his absence for at least the upcoming month, Kansas City plans to sign Spencer Shrader from the Jets’ practice squad. The source, who requested anonymity, noted this information before the official roster announcements from the team.

This Sunday, the Chiefs (9-0) are set to compete against the Buffalo Bills (8-2) in a matchup that could significantly influence the playoff standings in the AFC.

Butker has consistently ranked as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history since entering the league in 2017, holding the third spot overall, with only Justin Tucker and Eddy Pineiro ahead of him. This season, he has successfully completed 18 out of 20 field-goal attempts, including a critical 51-yard kick that clinched a thrilling 26-25 win for the undefeated Chiefs over the Bengals as the clock expired.

Notably, Butker set the franchise record for the longest field goal with a 62-yarder against the Bills in 2022.

The 29-year-old kicker is also recognized for his off-field presence, making headlines for his controversial remarks during a commencement speech at Benedictine College in May. In his address, Butker suggested that many female graduates were more eager about future marriage and starting families and criticized some Catholic leaders for promoting what he described as harmful gender ideologies to the younger generation.

His statements also touched on Pride Month, a significant period for the LGBTQ+ community, and spoke critically about President Joe Biden’s position on abortion.

Following his comments, the NFL made it clear that Butker’s views do not reflect those of the league, stating its ongoing commitment to inclusion, which it believes strengthens the organization as a whole.

In the wake of this controversy, Butker established a political action committee aimed at motivating Christians to support what the UPRIGHT PAC calls “traditional values.” He expressed his intention to support Republican Sen. Josh Hawley in the upcoming November elections, wherein Hawley eventually won reelection over Democrat Lucas Kunce by a significant margin.