The Indianapolis Colts made a change at kicker on Tuesday by waiving veteran Michael Badgley and signing Blake Grupe to their practice squad. Grupe, who last played for the New Orleans Saints, joined the Colts following a tryout session that reportedly included multiple participants.
Badgley, who has served as a placekicker for several NFL teams since entering the league in 2018, had most recently been part of the Colts’ special teams unit. Over his career, Badgley has established a reputation for consistency at short and mid-range kicks, but his long-range accuracy has varied. No official details were provided by the team regarding the reason for his release.
Grupe enters the Colts organization following a stint with the Saints during the 2023 season. As a rookie out of Notre Dame, he appeared in all 17 games and converted field goals at a solid rate. The Colts will evaluate his performance during practice, with potential elevation to the active roster depending on team needs and his showing during team preparations.
The decision to bring in Grupe followed a tryout session that reportedly included multiple kickers. Among the names reportedly present was former longtime Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker. While there has been no confirmation that Tucker is pursuing a return to the NFL or that he intends to sign with a team, his participation in the tryout was notable. No further details about the nature of the tryout or other participants have been released by the team.
The move adds needed competition and depth at the position as Indianapolis continues the season. Special teams consistency remains a crucial component of success late in the NFL calendar, and the Colts are evaluating all available options to solidify this phase of their roster. Grupe will begin working with the team immediately as part of the practice squad.
