The unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs have hit their second major piece of injury turbulence this season, as the team announced on Tuesday morning that veteran kicker Cairo Santos has been placed on the injured reserve list, meaning the season is over for the native of Brazil. To replace Santos on the roster, Kansas City signed rookie kicker Harrison Butker off the practice squad of the Carolina Panthers.
Santos was slowed by a groin injury during training camp, but rebounded to go 3-of-3 in field goals for the Chiefs this season, hitting all 12 of his extra-point attempts.
On Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles, Santos missed a 51-yard attempt against the Chargers, but had the miss taken off the books as the Chargers are called for roughing the kicker. While Santos appeared to be favoring his leg after the collision, he was able to finish the game, making a 34-yard attempt, kicking off twice, and hitting an extra point.
The newest Chief, Harrison Butker, is a rookie from Georgia Tech University. In pre-season action with Carolina, he hit all four of his extra points and hit both of his field goal attempts.
Photo credit – Peter G. Aiken / Getty Images / Kansas City, MO