Colts training camp competition takes a turn, one coach weighs in

One of the Indianapolis Colts’ most important positional battles has taken a major turn over the last two practices.

Blake Grupe and Spencer Shrader are competing for the kicking job, and Grupe not only has the early advantage, but the gap has widened.

During Tuesday’s practice, Shrader made just four of his six field goal attempts, with his misses coming from 45 and 57 yards, according to Jake Arthur of Roundtable Sports.

This performance comes on the heels of Grupe going 6-for-6 on his attempts in Monday’s practice.

Grupe is now 12-for-12 on attempts in training camp, while Shrader is 9-for-12. Even going back to the spring, Grupe had the better outing during offseason programs.

“Obviously, everybody’s able to view the live kicking sessions, which we’ve had two,” said special teams coordinator Brian Mason, “and Blake’s gone 12-for-12 and Spencer’s been 9-for-12, so just looking at that piece of it, and obviously the live kicks are what we’re going to look at the most important right now, Blake would be in the slight advantage. However, we’re not going to be judged by any one rep or any one day.”

Mason continued, “I know everyone wants immediate gratification or to name a starter soon, we’re going to be looking at the big picture, who gives us the best opportunity to kick the best in preseason games? Who continues to get better and looks the best and is progressing to be the best in the regular season? To be expected, there’s been some little bumps in the road. As we work through the progression, we’re going to try to kick these guys as much as we possibly can.”

There are kicking sessions that take place away from the team setting that are a part of the evaluation process as well.

Mason adds that Grupe has been consistent, but notes that there has been some “variance” with a few of his kicks, even the ones that were made.

Shrader steadily progressed during last year’s training camp, and Mason believes they have a good feel for why he’s pulled a few kicks early on in camp. After not kicking for eight months due to last year’s ACL injury, Mason says it’s expected that he has to work his way back in a sense.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts training camp competition takes a turn, one coach weighs in