Colts make final starting kicker decision after close training camp battle

The Indianapolis Colts have been trying to find their starting kicker all training camp. After a fierce battle, head coach Shane Steichen has made his decision.

Spencer Shrader has won the starting job, as Blake Grupe will be released, via Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Both showed flashes of brilliance throughout the offseason. Shrader hit two 60+ yard field goals while Grupe made 90 percent of his attempts in camp. In the end though, Indianapolis feels confident heading into 2026 with Shrader handling their kicks.

The kicker originally signed with the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2024. He spent one game with the team before being released. Shrader then went through the same scenario with the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs. During the 2025 season, he returned to Indianapolis an held a firm grasp on the kicking role. However, a torn ACL/MCL ended his season after just five games.

Over his nine games total in the NFL, Shrader has converted 94.7 percent of his field goals and is perfect through 23 extra point attempts. He held a 92.9 kicking percentage in 2025, missing once from beyond 50 yards.

Shrader seems to have improved his kick distance in training camp, nailing two from beyond 60 now. Between that and his return to health, Indianapolis’ choice became clear. Now, they’ll just hope he stays healthy throughout the entire 2026 campaign.

During that season, most Colts fans will be paying attention to what Daniel Jones and the offense does. But Shrader’s contributions will now ring crucial as Indy tries to make a playoff push.

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