The Indianapolis Colts faced a significant setback as Spencer Shrader, their standout kicker, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury. Coach Shane Steichen disclosed that Shrader suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, following a brutal collision during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Injury Details
The injury occurred during the second quarter of the Colts’ 40-6 victory at Lucas Oil Stadium. Shrader was attempting an extra point when he was hit by Raiders safety Tristin McCollum. The hit resulted in a personal foul penalty for roughing the kicker.
After the incident, Shrader remained on the field for an extended period before being assisted off by the training staff. His performance this season included an impressive 13 successful field goals out of 14 attempts, making him one of the league’s top kickers.
Impact on the Team
Coach Steichen expressed disappointment over the injury, acknowledging Shrader’s outstanding performance. “He was having a hell of a season,” Steichen remarked, emphasizing the challenge of replacing such a reliable player.
Upcoming Changes
With Shrader out, the Colts are now searching for his replacement. Steichen indicated that the team plans to hold a tryout for potential kickers as early as Tuesday, in preparation for their Week 6 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
Season Highlights
- Spencer Shrader tied for the league lead with 13 field goals.
- Converted nine field goals in the first two weeks of the season.
- Notably kicked a game-winning 45-yard field goal against the Denver Broncos.
- Named AFC special teams player of the month prior to his injury.
As the Colts navigate this difficult situation, they will aim to maintain their strong scoring performance without their star kicker. Time will reveal whether they can find a suitable replacement for Shrader in the coming weeks.
