Colts’ Blake Grupe gets 100% real on the uncertainty players face before cut day

The Indianapolis Colts’ kicking competition has come down to Blake Grupe and Spencer Shrader, and now the team must decide who gets the job after Saturday’s preseason finale against the Detroit Lions.

Grupe made two field goals in Indianapolis’ 25-16 loss, connecting from 46 and 36 yards during the first half. Shrader had one opportunity after halftime and converted from 60 yards.

Following the game, Grupe acknowledged that the next step is simply waiting to find out who earned the roster spot.

“I definitely feel confident that I put my best foot forward, and now you just sit and wait,” said Grupe via WISH-TV News.

"Now you just sit and wait"

A big decision for #Colts head coach Shane Steichen as Blake Grupe and Spencer Shrader each hope to be named the team's starting kicker. Which player do you think should earn the spot? pic.twitter.com/nzb0nIBOph

— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) August 29, 2026

The competition had remained very close throughout the preseason. Shrader entered the Lions game with a perfect 4-for-4 record on preseason field-goal attempts, including three successful kicks from at least 48 yards. Grupe had shown stronger stretches during practices, keeping the battle undecided.

Special teams coordinator Brian Mason previously said the Colts “can’t go wrong” with either kicker, while also explaining that performance during games would carry the greatest importance in the final evaluation.

Grupe brings plenty of NFL experience into the competition. As a rookie with the New Orleans Saints in 2023, he made all 40 extra-point attempts and converted 30 of 37 field goals. In 2024, he made 27 of 31 field goals and 31 of 33 extra points.

His 2025 season was more difficult, as he missed a league-high eight field-goal attempts through Week 12 and converted only five of 11 attempts beyond 40 yards. The Saints released him on November 25, 2025, before he joined Indianapolis’ practice squad on December 2.

Grupe later made a 60-yard go-ahead field goal against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15, surpassing the Colts’ previous franchise record of 58 yards set by Dan Miller in 1982. He re-signed with Indianapolis on a one-year, $1.4 million contract on March 16, 2026.

Now, after weeks of competition, Grupe and Shrader can only wait for the Colts to make their choice.

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