Andy Reid stands firm on Kansas City's decision to bring Justin Tucker onto the practice squad, saying the kicker has served his time.
Andy Reid is not backing away from the Kansas City Chiefs' latest roster move. The head coach publicly defended the decision to add veteran kicker Justin Tucker to the practice squad, making clear he believes the kicker has already paid the price for his past.
Reid's reasoning was simple. Tucker has served his suspension, and in the coach's eyes that closes the chapter on the league's disciplinary process. For Reid, the matter now comes down to football and whether Tucker can help the team.
The signing carries weight because of who Tucker is. He has long been regarded as one of the most accurate and reliable kickers the NFL has seen, and a specialist with his résumé is rarely available. A practice squad deal gives Kansas City a low-risk way to keep a proven leg close and ready.
The move was always going to draw attention, and Reid's comments show the Chiefs are ready to stand behind it. Whether Tucker earns a bigger role will depend on how he performs in practice and what the team needs from its kicking game in the weeks ahead.
