Home / Sports / Colts Kicker Battle: Shrader vs. Grupe Heats Up
Colts Kicker Battle: Shrader vs. Grupe Heats Up
18 Jul
Summary
- Spencer Shrader suffered torn ACL and MCL injuries in Week 5 last season.
- Blake Grupe impressed, converting all 11 field goals and 10 extra points.
- Shrader is fully participating in kicking drills this offseason.
The Indianapolis Colts' starting kicker position is wide open as training camp commences, with incumbent Blake Grupe competing against Spencer Shrader.
Shrader, once considered the long-term solution, began the 2025 season impressively, converting 13 of 14 field goals and all 14 extra points in five games. However, his promising year was cut short during a Week 5 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders when he sustained torn ACL and MCL injuries.
Following a brief stint by Michael Badgley, Grupe, also a Notre Dame alum, took over. He performed exceptionally, making all 11 of his field goal attempts, including a 60-yarder, and all 10 extra points.
Now, Shrader is back and fully participating in offseason drills. This creates a genuine 50-50 competition, as the Colts will evaluate both kickers throughout training camp and preseason to determine their starter for the upcoming season.
