​The Indianapolis Colts may have several roster battles to sort through during training camp, but the most wide-open competition could be at kicker. Incumbent Blake Grupe is currently in position to keep the job, but he will have to fend off Spencer Shrader, a talented young specialist who looked like the Colts’ long-term answer before a serious injury abruptly ended his 2025 season.
During Colts OTAs at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis, special teams remained a notable storyline. Grupe, punter Rigoberto Sanchez and long snapper Luke Rhodes were among the specialists working through drills as Indianapolis continued its offseason preparation. While most eyes naturally focus on quarterback play, offensive line chemistry or defensive depth, the Colts’ kicking competition has quietly become one of the most intriguing battles on the roster.
At one point, the job appeared to belong firmly to Shrader. Indianapolis made a surprising decision two offseasons ago when it moved on from veteran kicker Matt Gay and brought back Shrader, a former undrafted free agent who had made a strong impression during the 2024 training camp and preseason. That move signaled real confidence in Shrader’s leg, accuracy and long-term potential.
Shrader rewarded that faith early in the 2025 season. Through five games, he connected on 13 of his 14 field goal attempts, good for an impressive 92.9% conversion rate. His longest make came from 52 yards, and he was also perfect on extra points, converting all 14 attempts. For a team that had taken a gamble by turning away from a proven veteran, Shrader’s early production made the Colts look smart.
Unfortunately, that promising start came to a sudden and painful halt in Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders. During the second quarter, Shrader suffered torn ACL and MCL injuries after a questionable hit from Raiders safety Tristin McCollum on his follow-through following a successful extra point. The play ended Shrader’s season and changed the direction of the Colts’ kicking situation.
Indianapolis initially turned to Michael Badgley, but that stint did not provide the stability the team needed. After the Badgley experiment lasted longer than many Colts fans would have preferred, the organization signed Blake Grupe. Like Shrader, Grupe played college football at Notre Dame and already had a connection with Colts special teams coordinator Brian Mason from their time together with the Fighting Irish.
Grupe quickly took advantage of his opportunity. Once he stepped into the role, he performed at an extremely high level, making all 11 of his field goal attempts. That perfect stretch included a booming 60-yard kick, showcasing both accuracy and range. He also converted all 10 of his extra point attempts, giving Indianapolis exactly what it needed from the position during the second half of the season.
Because of that production, the Colts now have a legitimate kicking battle on their hands. Before Shrader’s injury, there likely would not have been much of a competition. He had done more than enough to keep the job, and his future with the team appeared secure. But injuries often create unexpected opportunities in the NFL, and Grupe made the most of his chance when it arrived.
It is tough to see Shrader potentially lose a starting job because of an injury suffered on a play that many would consider unnecessary. He was in the middle of a strong season and had done everything asked of him. Still, the NFL is a performance-based league, and roster spots are rarely held open without competition, especially when another player steps in and performs as well as Grupe did.
The good news for Shrader is that he has been participating fully in kicking drills during the offseason. That is an encouraging sign as he works his way back from the ACL and MCL injuries. His health will be one of the most important factors in determining how this competition plays out once Colts training camp begins.
Ultimately, the battle between Blake Grupe and Spencer Shrader may come down to consistency, health and performance under pressure. Training camp practices will matter, but preseason games could also play a major role. Coaches will want to see how both kickers handle live game situations, longer attempts, pressure kicks and the rhythm of working with Sanchez and Rhodes.
Right now, this feels like a true 50-50 competition. Grupe has the advantage of finishing last season as the starter and being perfect on his field goal attempts with Indianapolis. Shrader, however, had the job first and was excellent before his injury. There does not appear to be a clear frontrunner, which makes the Colts’ kicker competition one of the top storylines to watch throughout training camp.