​Training camp for the Indianapolis Colts is just about a month away, and as part of our preseason preview, we’ll scrutinize each positional battle expected to unfold. The offseason programs laid the groundwork for these duels, offering valuable clues about where things might stand as camp opens. Yet the real verdict will come once players hit the practice fields in Training Camp and during the preseason games, when performances on the line, in the red zone, and on special teams will determine which players win the jobs.
Kicking is the final position battle we’re examining in this camp preview. The Colts are weighing Blake Grupe and Spencer Shrader for the team’s kicking duties, a competition that promises to be tight and closely watched by coaching staff and fans alike. Shrader carries a notable resume despite missing most of last season due to an ACL injury. Before his injury, he had been highly efficient on extra points and field goals, converting 14 of 14 attempts on extra points and 13 of 14 on field goals, a stretch that included a dramatic game-winner against Denver. His track record demonstrates reliability when healthy, and his experience at the professional level adds a layer of credibility to the equation.
Grupe, who joined the Colts late in the season, quickly made a strong impression by converting all of his opportunities: 10-for-10 on field goals and 11-for-11 on extra points, according to Pro Football Focus. The Colts chose to bring him back this offseason, underscoring the organization’s belief that he can be a significant contributor in this role. His recent track record with the team, combined with the continuity of having spent meaningful time in the offense’s rhythm, positions him as a serious challenger.
There’s a long runway ahead, and the outcome will hinge on what happens in both training camp drills and the preseason games. The kicker position tends to reveal its true winner through consistency, mental toughness, and the ability to deliver under pressure in live scenarios. At present, Grupe appears to hold the early edge. He enters the competition with more recent on-field experience in the Colts’ system and without the detour of a recent major injury, factors that often influence decision-making when coaches finalize their special-teams unit.
A closer look at recent practice observations suggests the battle remains competitive. Jake Arthur of Colts Roundtable noted Shrader’s performance during a minicamp session, where he went 3-for-5 on attempts, missing one in each direction—a left and a right miss. Grupe, by contrast, went 5-for-5 on his attempts in that same window. These snapshots highlight the incremental progress each kicker is making as the coaching staff continues to evaluate leg strength, accuracy, and consistency under pressure.
Special teams coordinator Brian Mason has indicated that this year’s kicking competition will follow a structure similar to last year’s, which bodes well for a methodical, data-driven evaluation rather than a rushed decision. The Colts’ approach suggests a thorough process that weighs game-ready reliability, long-term outlook, and the ability to handle high-stakes moments.
As camp opens and the competition unfolds, Grupe’s experience and proven performance to this point could give him a legitimate leg up, especially since he isn’t returning from a major injury. Shrader, on the other hand, brings upside and a strong sample from before his injury, ensuring he remains a credible threat to seize the job if he can reclaim his pre-injury form and show improvement in the high-pressure environments of camp and the preseason.
Ultimately, the kicking competition will be decided by the sum of practice performance, game-like reps in the preseason, and the coaching staff’s assessment of consistency, range, and mental fortitude. The Colts have built a thoughtful framework for evaluating this position, and the near-term focus will be on fine-tuning technique, building confidence in each team’s holder and snapper, and ensuring the unit can deliver when the moment matters most.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts training camp battles: Who wins the kicking competition? for SEO purposes.