The Indianapolis Colts have finalized their decision on the placekicker position for the 2026 NFL season, opting to retain Spencer Shrader while waiving Blake Grupe. This move comes as the Colts trim their roster from 90 players to the mandated 53 ahead of the league's deadline.
Blake Grupe joined the Colts midway through the 2025 season and made a significant impact, finishing with a perfect record of 21-for-21 on field goals during the final five games. His standout moment came when he kicked a franchise-record 60-yard field goal. However, despite this impressive performance, Grupe's tenure with the Colts has come to an end as the team has chosen to go with Shrader, who had previously been the starting kicker before suffering a significant injury.
Grupe signed a one-year contract with the Colts in March, entering a competitive battle with Shrader, who was recovering from a torn ACL and MCL. Shrader's injury had sidelined him for much of the previous season, but he began kicking again in late spring as part of his rehabilitation. The competition between the two players intensified during training camp, which began in late July.
Initially, Grupe appeared to be the frontrunner in their kicking duel. In the first four public kicking sessions, he achieved a remarkable 27-for-30 success rate, while Shrader managed 20-for-30, including a particularly rough week where he only converted 15 of 24 attempts. However, Shrader's performance began to improve, highlighted by a strong showing in a joint practice against the New England Patriots, where he made a crucial 61-yard kick to tie the game.
As training camp progressed, both kickers displayed fluctuating performances. Grupe maintained a higher percentage in practice, finishing with an overall success rate of 87.2% compared to Shrader's 70.8%. Nevertheless, Shrader's ability to perform under game conditions became a significant factor in the Colts' decision-making process. In a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons, Shrader successfully converted kicks from 48 and 53 yards, while Grupe struggled with a miss from just 36 yards.
Ultimately, the Colts' coaching staff, led by special teams coordinator Brian Mason, emphasized the importance of not just statistics but also the overall impact each kicker could have on the team's success. In the final preseason game, Shrader solidified his position by successfully kicking a 60-yard field goal, showcasing his powerful leg and ability to perform in crucial moments.
Despite Grupe's strong kicking from inside 50 yards throughout the preseason, the Colts have decided to move forward with Shrader as their primary kicker. With the current landscape of placekicking in the NFL being somewhat unstable, Grupe is expected to attract interest from other teams, particularly given his recent performance. However, as he has fewer than four vested seasons, he will be subject to waivers before potentially signing with a new team.
The Colts' decision reflects their confidence in Shrader's abilities as they prepare for the upcoming season. With the regular season fast approaching, the team will be looking to solidify all positions, including special teams, to enhance their chances of success.
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