Indianapolis, IN, December 3, 2025
The Indianapolis Colts have waived kicker Michael Badgley following his third missed extra point in seven games, a decision spurred by concerns over team performance. To address this issue, the Colts signed former New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe to their practice squad. Grupe, who has a solid kicking history, is expected to bring stability to the crucial position as the team prepares for an important matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, both teams currently holding an 8-4 record.
Indianapolis, IN – The Indianapolis Colts have made a significant shift in their kicking department by waiving kicker Michael Badgley after a disappointing performance, leading to the signing of former New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe to the practice squad.
Colts Waive Kicker Michael Badgley
On December 2, 2025, the Indianapolis Colts announced the release of kicker Michael Badgley. This decision was necessitated by Badgley’s third missed extra point in just seven games, notably during the Colts’ Week 12 loss to the Houston Texans. With performance levels critical at this stage of the season, the Colts’ special teams coordinator expressed concern over recurring issues, stating that the missed points are “inexcusable.”
Signing of Blake Grupe
In a strategic response to Badgley’s performance, the Colts quickly signed Blake Grupe to their practice squad. Grupe, age 27, has been with the NFL for two seasons, previously handling kicking duties with the New Orleans Saints. Although waived last month after converting 18 of 26 field goal attempts this season, Grupe boasts impressive field goal success rates of 81.1% and 87.1% from his earlier seasons. The Colts are optimistic that Grupe’s past performance will stabilize the crucial kicker position moving forward.
Background on Kicker Position Changes
The Colts have faced significant upheaval at the kicker position this season. Following the season-ending ACL and MCL injuries of Spencer Shrader in Week 5, Badgley was brought in as his replacement. However, with Badgley’s struggles—including his recent missed extra points—the team’s management deemed it necessary to seek alternatives. Grupe’s addition aims to enhance team performance and consistency, especially as they head into a crucial phase of the season.
Upcoming AFC South Matchup
As the Colts prepare for their next challenge, they sit at an 8-4 record and are scheduled to face the Jacksonville Jaguars, who share the same record. This NFC South matchup next Sunday holds substantial implications for playoff positioning. The Colts are hopeful that their newly configured kicker situation will bolster their performance, making them a formidable opponent.
Conclusion
The Indianapolis Colts’ decision to waive Michael Badgley in favor of Blake Grupe underscores their commitment to fielding a competitive team. With the stakes high in the AFC South, the new kicker’s successful integration into the Colts’ strategy will be pivotal in their pursuit of playoff success. Fans are encouraged to stay engaged and support their local team during this critical juncture in the season.
FAQ
A: The Colts waived Michael Badgley after he missed his third extra point in seven games during the Week 12 loss to the Houston Texans. Special teams coordinator expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance.
A: Blake Grupe is a 27-year-old kicker who was waived by the New Orleans Saints last month after converting 18 of 26 field goal attempts in 11 games this season. He had previously achieved field goal success rates of 81.1% and 87.1% in his first two NFL seasons. The Colts signed Grupe to their practice squad to stabilize the kicker position following Badgley’s release.
A: The Colts, currently 8-4, are set to face the Jacksonville Jaguars, who share the same record, in a crucial AFC South matchup next Sunday. The team is hopeful that the new kicking arrangement will help them positively in this pivotal game.
| Key Features |
|---|
| Colts waive kicker Michael Badgley after missed extra points |
| Blake Grupe signed to practice squad as new kicker |
| Colts face Jacksonville Jaguars in crucial AFC South matchup |
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