Spencer Shrader wins Colts’ kicking competition after long-range makes

Spencer Shrader has won the Indianapolis Colts’ kicking competition, securing the team’s kicker role after a preseason stretch that included makes from 60 and 61 yards. The Colts announced the decision after a tight battle with fellow kicker Blake Grupe, with both players factoring into the early training-camp evaluation at a position that can swing field position and end-game scoring.

Shrader’s path back to the top spot is also tied to the 2025 season. Indianapolis previously recognized him as the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month last September. By October, however, his season ended due to a knee injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the year, forcing the Colts to turn to other options at kicking while he recovered.

The preseason long-range conversions were central to the case for Shrader’s return to the job. According to the Colts’ announcement, he connected on field goals of 60 and 61 yards during the preseason, showing the range coaches look for when games tighten and drives stall at the edge of field-goal territory.

The competition against Grupe was described as tight, which matters because the job is not only about leg strength but also consistency under pressure. Kickers must hit targets from varying angles and distances while also handling the routine mental demands that come with weekly roster execution, including holding up in the final stretch of a drive when pressure rises even if the ball is not placed from the same distance each time.

The stakes for Indianapolis are practical. A reliable kicker affects how offensive coordinators plan red-zone possessions and how often the team can convert three-point opportunities without taking on risk. It also reduces the margin for error on special teams where a missed kick can carry a ripple effect on momentum, field position, and late-game clock management.

What to watch next is how Shrader handles the transition from preseason evaluation to regular-season routines. The Colts’ decision gives him a clear runway, but the real test will be consistency across the season, especially as weather and stadium conditions change and opponents force different coverages and protection looks. For Grupe, the close competition sets the stage for his role as the alternative option should circumstances require a change.