The Colts made a stunning reunion with Philip Rivers this week after Daniel Jones‘ season-ending injury, but as it turns out, they also pursued another one of their former quarterbacks: Sam Ehlinger.
The Colts, who drafted Ehlinger in the sixth round of the 2021 draft, reached out to his agent shortly after Jones suffered a torn Achilles on Sunday, per Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post. Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard, who finished the game after Jones went down, had also injured his knee. So not only did the team need to figure out an emergency starter, they may also have needed an emergency backup.
Indianapolis was already planning on reaching out to Rivers, but the uncertainty of coaxing him out of retirement and the potential need for multiple passers caused them to explore additional options. Ehlinger, who spent the last four years in Indianapolis, was an obvious option. However, he turned down the opportunity for a 53-man roster spot and potentially some playing time to stay on the Broncos’ practice squad as their third-string quarterback.
“We’re really happy here and enjoy the organization, the path we’re on and what we’re building. I want to be part of that,” Ehlinger said of his decision (via Gabriel). “I was in Indianapolis for four years and I love everybody over there. It’s just a difficult situation, obviously.”
There are a few reasons behind Ehlinger’s choice. The first is that he was not guaranteed playing time in Indianapolis. He was in touch with the Colts on Monday and Tuesday, by which time Rivers had agreed to come back. Leonard had also been diagnosed with a Grade 1 PCL sprain and could be available in Week 15 to start or back up Rivers. That would leave Ehlinger in the same situation as he was in Denver.
Ehlinger may also believe he has a better long-term future in Denver with head coach Sean Payton and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb, according to Gabriel. The Colts’ situation is very much in flux, but Broncos backup Jarrett Stidham is 29 years old with a contract that expires after the 2026 season. Payton and Webb may be grooming Ehlinger to take over that job behind Bo Nix as soon as next year.
This is not the first time that Ehlinger has turned down interest for another team’s active roster. He has declined multiple offers this year and seems content, if not determined to stay in Denver for the foreseeable future.
Honestly i bet they called up Joe Namath and Dan Marino.
Dumb
Ballard probably contacted anyone whose last name wasn’t Richardson 🙂
I’m still getting use to how practice squad’s work ever since they changed the rules. I assume if anything happens to Drake Maye, Patriots might try to get Tom Brady to unretire, if they were run like the Colts.
Brady wouldn’t comeback unless his buddy Gronk was part of the package. Doug Flutie could be an option though 🙂
How about George blanda mr.crosseye
Makes sense for the Colts to contact Sam.
Makes sense for him to decline the opportunity, has he would likely be kicked-to-the-Colts-curb the second he was no longer deemed useful as an emergency fill in. He would be lucky to make it through next August…
I dont agree … Ehlinger had a golden opportunity to try to come over and start but chose his cushy clipboard job. Maybe the team had done him wrong in the past but he still should have shown his competitive side to change his fortune. Especially helping them clinch a winning season, instead of hoping that Nix falters.
He’d be an emergency fill-in in Denver too
True, I was a little harsh because its doubtful he replaces Leonard but you never know had he came back?