The Indianapolis Colts are turning the page at kicker.
The team signed veteran Blake Grupe to the practice squad on Wednesday, following the release of Michael Badgley. The move signals that Grupe is the leading candidate to handle kicking duties this Sunday in the pivotal AFC South showdown in Jacksonville.
Badgley’s exit comes after a missed extra point proved costly in Sunday’s narrow loss to Houston. Grupe arrives having lost his own job in New Orleans, where he converted 18 of 26 field goal attempts this season but remained perfect (15-for-15) on extra points—a detail that undoubtedly caught the Colts’ eye.
The 28-year-old brings significant experience, having made 75 of 94 field goals and 86 of 88 extra points over 45 games with the Saints since 2023. He also has a pre-existing connection with Colts special teams coordinator Brian Mason, dating back to their time together at Notre Dame in 2022.
For Grupe, the shift is a chance at redemption with a contender. He leaves a 2-10 Saints squad to join the 8-4 Colts, who are locked in a tie with the Jaguars for the division lead.
“I know how to be better,” Grupe said of his recent struggles in New Orleans. The Colts are betting he will be, starting this weekend.
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