Justin Reid reacts amid speculation he could replace Harrison Butker for key role

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The Kansas City Chiefs have ticked off another offseason milestone as they concluded another OTA on their journey before the first mandatory minicamp in June.

The Chiefs’ NFL offseason has served up twists and turns with off-field situations and key players/figures penning new long-term deals with the organization.

Now, with the bulk of their roster in place, the Kansas City Chiefs are fully engaged in their early preparations for preseason.

The workouts are voluntary but it is still an excellent opportunity for rookies and veterans to get up to speed on their offseason routine.

The Chiefs make early preparations for the new kickoff rule in place

However, the NFL has made one key adaption for the 2024 season which is already having a huge impact on every team.

It was announced that the NFL was modifying the kickoff rule to encourage special teams to return the ball and kickers not to drive the ball out the back of the end zone.

Moreover, the new rule has received support from the fans and media across the league, this will add a new dynamic to special teams.

The NFL is all about entertainment and defying the odds by returning a kickoff is one way to create a spectacle and heighten the emotions.

However, the new rule, which was implemented because of its use in the XFL, sees the kicker involved in 25-40% of tackles, per Pete Sweeney.

Special teams coach Dave Toub hinted that Butker is not taking kickoffs

Therefore, special team coordinator Dave Toub has suggested that kicker Harrison Butker may be withdrawn from this duty due to potential injury.

Instead, the team was seen practicing with other members on the roster with kickoffs.

Unique rookie Louis-Rees Zammit and defensive back Justin Reid were caught kicking the ball on the final day of the OTA.

One of these two players could be opening the kickoff duties at Arrowhead Stadium on September 5 against the Baltimore Ravens.

Justin Reid takes to X to reveal his excitement about a potential new role

Justin Reid took to X and posted: “Oh boy, this season is about to be so fun.”

Reid seems very excited about the opportunity to take on the job that Butker might be forced to hand over.

Yet, Reid is no stranger to having to take over the kicking duties from Butker.

The Chiefs kicker was forced to leave the game against the Houston Texans on the opening day of the 2022 season.

At that time, Reid took a kickoff and went 1 for 2 on extra-point conversions before Butker’s return.