The Indianapolis Colts have lacked a reliable starting kicker for years, ever since recently inducted Hall of Famer Adam Vinatieri retired in 2021. A revolving door of kickers in Indianapolis has led to inconsistent performances and multiple unfortunate misses in critical situations.
Last year was no different. Spencer Shrader started the season making 13 of his 14 field goal attempts and all extra point kicks. But a season-ending knee injury in Week 5 forced the Colts to look at other options.
Indianapolis first turned to veteran Michael Badgley, but three extra point misses made it clear he couldn’t be trusted. That opened the door for practice squad player Blake Grupe, who didn’t miss a single kick over the last five games. Going into 2026, the Colts have to decide whether to keep riding with Grupe or return to the now-healthy Shrader.
Indianapolis Colts kicking battle is far from over
Less than three weeks away from their season opener, the Colts have yet to make a decision on who their starting kicker will be on Day 1. Per WISH-TV, Head coach Shane Steichen has praised both kickers and called the choice a “big decision”, suggesting it's still anyone’s battle to win.
Based on recent regular season form and total offseason reps, Grupe should be the heavy favorite. Grupe ended the 2025 NFL regular season in scorching hot form. After debuting in Week 14, Grupe made all 11 field goal and 10 extra point attempts. He especially excelled from long range with four successful kicks from beyond 50 yards, including a team-record 60-yarder.
Grupe carried his late-season momentum into training camp, opening camp with a long streak of kicks without a miss. Overall, he has reportedly been more accurate than Shrader throughout practice. That large body of work is hard to ignore.
On the other hand, the tide might be turning with only a few weeks left to make a final call. Shrader has gone 4/4 on field goals over the Colts’ two preseason games. That includes a 61-yarder against the Patriots and a 53-yarder against the Falcons.
Meanwhile, Grupe has missed both of his preseason field goal attempts. His 61-yard miss in New England can probably be forgiven — although Shrader made one from the same distance later in the game — but his failed 36-yard attempt against Atlanta is a mistake that can't happen.
Even if Grupe has been the more consistent kicker in practice, Shrader’s better preseason performance may be more meaningful. At the end of the day, kicking in real game conditions is the ultimate test.
Both Grupe and Shrader have one more preseason game to impress (or disappoint) the Indianapolis coaching staff. On Saturday, the Colts will host their preseason finale against Detroit.
Grupe must prove his doubters wrong, show that he doesn’t shrink under the bright lights, and stop missing kicks. Shrader has to continue his form from the first two games and cement himself as the best in-game kicker on the roster, regardless of what happens in practice — missing a kick now could put his chances in jeopardy.
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