The Indianapolis Colts had been hesitant to discuss the status of kicker Adam Vinatieri throughout the course of the offseason. With training camp set to begin, it seems general manager Chris Ballard has made a decision.
According to Zak Keefer of The Athletic, Ballard indicated that Vinatieri will be left out of the kicking competition:
With regards to his kicking competition, Chris Ballard mentions it's Chase McLaughlin vs. Rodrigo Blankenship. As expected, the team moving on from Adam Vinatieri in 2020.
It is safe to say that Ballard's comments all but confirm the writing that has been on the wall since Vinatieri struggled tremendously during the 2019 campaign. The veteran missed a league-worst 14 kicks that consisted of eight field goals and six extra points. His season culminated with him landing on injured reserve before having surgery on his plant knee this offseason.
Chase McLaughlin seemingly has the edge over Rodrigo Blankenship heading into training camp after filling in for Vinatieri over the final four games of the season. McLaughlin was able to take full advantage of the opportunity as a rookie and will now be looking to edge out Blankenship after the Colts signed him as an undrafted free agent to make things interesting.
Vinatieri has reportedly expressed his interest in keeping his illustrious career going, however, Ballard's latest declaration could have an impact on this notion. It now remains to be seen whether or not there are any other teams willing to give the 47-year-old an opportunity heading into the 2020 NFL season.
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