The Colts recent roster moves suggest that starting kicker Matt Gay’s status for Sunday’s opener is in serious doubt.
The Indianapolis Colts announced on Saturday that the team has promoted placekicker Spencer Shrader and cornerback Chris Lammons from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Sunday’s opener against the Houston Texans:
We have elevated CB Chris Lammons and K Spencer Shrader to the active roster for #HOUvsIND.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 7, 2024
Of course, the biggest name on this list is Shrader because his elevation sheds serious doubt on starting Colts kicker Matt Gay’s (hernia) availability for Week 1. The former Pro Bowl kicker experienced serious discomfort following the Colts preseason finale win in Cincinnati and underwent recent hernia surgery. Gay has not practiced this week and is officially still listed as “questionable” on the team’s injury report.
Shrader was signed as an undrafted rookie out of Notre Dame and really shined during training camp and preseason. He was 2 for 2 in his field goal attempts—including converting from a long of 56 yards, on the road against the Bengals in preseason Week 3.
Meanwhile, while cornerback Samuel Womack III, who the Colts recently claimed off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers after final cuts, is expected to be the primary slot backup behind Kenny Moore II, as well as provide special teams depth, Lammons can also help in both of those same capacities—especially on special teams.
The Colts do not currently have any cornerbacks listed as injured on the team injury report, so Lammons’ elevation looks like a special teams move, more than anything.