### Colts Make Bold Move: Sign Blake Grupe After Waiving Michael Badgley The Indianapolis Colts have taken decisive action to address their kicking woes by signing former New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe to their practice squad. This move comes just one day after the team waived Michael Badgley, who struggled with consistency, particularly in extra point attempts. Grupe is expected to make his debut in a crucial AFC South matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as the Colts aim to solidify their playoff aspirations [https://www.wlox.com/2025/12/04/colts-sign-former-saints-kicker-blake-grupe-practice-squad][https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/indianapolis-colts-kicker-blake-grupe-l64032]. ### Breakdown of the Colts' Kicking Situation 1. **Waiving Michael Badgley**: - The Colts released Badgley after he missed three extra points in seven games, which was deemed unacceptable by the coaching staff [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/colts_waive_michael_badgley_sign_recently_cut_kicker/s1_16667_43150806]. 2. **Signing Blake Grupe**: - Grupe, who played for the Saints and had a mixed performance in 2025 (18 of 26 field goals made), was signed to the practice squad following a workout that included other kickers [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/colts_signing_k_blake_grupe_to_ps/s1_17039_43150619][https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47181223/colts-waive-kicker-michael-badgley-sign-blake-grupe]. 3. **Upcoming Game**: - Grupe is anticipated to be active for the Colts' upcoming game against the Jaguars, which is critical for their playoff positioning [https://www.wishtv.com/sports/indianapolis-colts/colts-sign-kicker-blake-grupe-to-practice-squad]. ### Performance Metrics and Context - **Michael Badgley**: - Field Goals: 10 of 11 attempts (90.9%) - Extra Points: 3 missed in 7 games - **Blake Grupe**: - 2025 Season: 18 of 26 field goals (69.2%), 15 of 15 extra points - Previous Experience: Undrafted free agent who won the starting job with the Saints after impressing in training camp [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/colts_working_out_group_of_kickers_including_blake_grupe/s1_17039_43149361][https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/colts_find_their_replacment_for_a_struggling_player_but_recent_stats_dont_point_towards_this_ending_well_for_the_team/s1_17313_43151202]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Shift for the Colts In summary, the Indianapolis Colts have made a strategic decision to enhance their kicking game by signing Blake Grupe after parting ways with Michael Badgley. This change reflects the urgency of improving special teams performance as the team approaches a pivotal point in the season. 1. **Badgley's inconsistency** led to his release, highlighting the importance of reliable kicking in close games. 2. **Grupe's signing** offers a fresh start and potential stability at a critical position. 3. **The upcoming game against the Jaguars** will be a test for Grupe and a crucial moment for the Colts' playoff hopes [https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/colts-add-k-blake-grupe-after-waiving-k-michael-badgley][https://www.stampedeblue.com/indianapolis-colts-roster/118650/colts-sign-kicker-blake-grupe-to-practice-squad].