Browns Bench Struggling Kicker Dustin Hopkins, Chiefs Welcome Back Harrison Butker

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The Cleveland Browns have decided to bench their struggling kicker, Dustin Hopkins, due to his inconsistent performance throughout the 2024 season. Hopkins has been having a particularly tough year, missing nine field goals so far, which is the most in the league. His struggles have been evident in multiple games, including a recent loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers where he missed two crucial field goals from 38 and 43 yards. Despite the support from his coach Kevin Stefanski and teammates, Hopkins' performance has not improved, leading to his benching.

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On the other hand, the Kansas City Chiefs are getting their star kicker, Harrison Butker, back after a four-game absence due to a meniscus injury in his left knee. Butker underwent surgery in November and has been on injured reserve since then. During his absence, the Chiefs used kickers Spencer Shrader and Matthew Wright, who both did well in their short stints. Wright, in particular, was instrumental in a game against the Los Angeles Chargers, making a game-winning field goal. However, with Butker's return, the Chiefs have released Wright to make room for Butker. Butker has an impressive career field goal percentage of 89.2%, the highest in NFL history, and his return is expected to bolster the Chiefs' special teams unit as they head into the playoffs.