Colts coach Shane Steichen on Shrader's injury: "It doesn't look good."

The Indianapolis Colts face a major setback as kicker Spencer Shrader suffers a season-ending knee injury during a dominant victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Why it matters: Shrader’s injury not only impacts his personal career but also poses significant challenges for the Colts, who have relied heavily on his scoring ability this season.

• Prior to the injury, Shrader was leading the NFL with 13 made field goals, underscoring his importance to the team’s offensive efficiency.
• The Colts have emerged as one of the league's most prolific offenses, making Shrader's role even more critical as they attempt to capitalize on their scoring opportunities.

What’s new: The injury occurred during an extra point attempt in the second quarter of the game, following a collision with Raiders safety Tristin McCollum.

• McCollum was penalized for roughing the kicker, a move that drew scrutiny given the gravity of the situation.
• After the hit, Shrader was visibly in pain, grabbing his right knee and remaining on the turf for an extended period before being assisted off the field.

Yes, but: Despite the immediate hardship of losing their kicker, the Colts' offense may still be able to adapt.

• Head coach Shane Steichen remarked on the injury, stating, "It doesn’t look good," indicating the potential severity without dismissing the resilience of the team.
• Historically, teams often find ways to rally after key injuries, though replacing a consistent scorer like Shrader will be challenging.

What to watch: As the Colts navigate this transition, attention will turn to their kicking game strategy moving forward.

• With no other kicker having more than 10 field goals prior to Sunday’s game, the Colts may need to look for a free agent or elevate someone from within to fill the void left by Shrader.
• The coaching staff will need to make adjustments to maintain their offensive output while integrating a new kicker into the system.

The bottom line: Shrader’s absence is a significant blow to the Colts, who will need to quickly regroup and establish a reliable alternative as they aim to maintain their momentum through the rest of the season.

• As they prepare for upcoming games, the team must balance immediate needs with long-term strategies, ensuring they do not lose sight of their playoff aspirations.