Colts kicker Spencer Shrader ‘grateful and blessed’ to be Indy’s starting kicker

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Second-year Colts kicker Spencer Shrader has dealt with a fair share of setbacks during his two years on the Colts roster.

Shrader opened last season as the Colts’ starting kicker, went 13-for-14 on field goals to start the year, and looked headed for his best NFL season. That was until Week 5, when the Colts hosted the Raiders. In the second quarter, Shrader went on to kick an extra point, but was hit awkwardly on his right leg by Raiders safety Tristin McCollum.

As a result, Shrader tore both his ACL and MCL in his right knee and was sidelined for the rest of the season. Fast forward to this year, and Shrader was in a kicking battle with Blake Grupe during the preseason. By the end of three preseason games, Shrader was a perfect 5-for-5 on field goals, including two from 60 yards or more.

With less than two weeks until Week 1, Shrader beat out Grupe and was named the Colts’ starting kicker for the 2026–27 season.

“It was a crazy preseason,” Shrader said. “I think it was one of the most mentally challenging battles that I’ve been through. It was really good for me. When I think about this situation, I feel glad for Blake [Grupe] too because I feel like both of us earned that. It was all that I could do to keep up with him durin...