INDIANAPOLIS — Spencer Shrader kicked a 53-yard field goal with 16 seconds remaining to give the Indianapolis Colts a 19–17 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday, delivering their first win of the season.
Shrader made all four of his field-goal attempts despite a groin injury suffered during warmups. His final kick restored a lead Indianapolis had surrendered inside the last two minutes, and the defense held on to close out the AFC South matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Houston took a 17–16 lead on Woody Marks’ one-yard touchdown run and Ka’imi Fairbairn’s extra point with 1:48 left. The Colts answered with the drive that put Shrader in position to decide the game, moving Indianapolis to 1–2 and leaving the Texans at 0–3.
The kicker had already connected from 39, 58 and 37 yards. His 58-yard field goal matched his career best, and his accuracy accounted for all of Indianapolis’ scoring apart from a touchdown pass and the accompanying extra point.
Daniel Jones completed 24 of 36 passes for 235 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Keenan Allen caught the six-yard scoring pass in the second quarter, while Josh Downs finished with five receptions for 77 yards. Jonathan Taylor carried 23 times for 68 yards.
C.J. Stroud went 16 of 27 for 167 yards and one touchdown without an interception. His scoring pass went to Foster Moreau from one yard out in the second quarter. David Montgomery led Houston’s rushing attack with 33 yards on 11 carries.
Indianapolis led 13–7 at halftime. Neither team scored in the third quarter before Shrader extended the advantage with his third field goal. Fairbairn answered from 24 yards, and Marks’ touchdown briefly put Houston in front.
The Colts’ defense entered Sunday having surrendered 1,029 yards over its first two games. This time, it helped keep the score within reach of a kicking game that remained effective even after Shrader’s pregame injury.
With wide receiver Alec Pierce on injured reserve, Indianapolis needed contributions elsewhere in its passing game. Allen provided its lone touchdown, while Shrader supplied the late points that separated two teams which had both entered the afternoon looking for their first victory.
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This page is an original Sporting Page summary. The reporting remains with Indianapolis Colts official game recap.
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