Spencer Shrader named Colts' starting kicker over Blake Grupe
On 2026-09-04 the Indianapolis Colts named Spencer Shrader their starting kicker, choosing him over Blake Grupe after preseason play in which Shrader went 5-for-5 (including two kicks of at least 60 yards). Shrader also made the team's initial 53-man roster.
On 2026-09-04 the Colts announced Spencer Shrader would be their starting kicker, receiving the nod over Blake Grupe on cutdown day. In three preseason games Shrader was 5-for-5 with two kicks of at least 60 yards; Grupe went 2-for-4. Shrader made the initial 53-man roster.
Shrader, who tore his ACL and MCL in Week 5 of the 2025 season, said the competition tested him mentally as well as physically. He described reframing expectations during rehab, feeling like himself again toward the end of camp and expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
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