Do the Colts have a backup quarterback controversy brewing?

After bringing in Nick Foles this offseason, the Indianapolis Colts have seen a nice development from second-year quarterback Sam Ehlinger.

This offseason, the Indianapolis Colts reunited quarterback Nick Foles with head coach Frank Reich. The two had a magical run with the Philadelphia Eagles when Reich was the offensive coordinator and Foles was the backup quarterback that stepped in to help the Eagles win Super Bowl 52. After that, Foles was considered one of the best backups in the league.

That’s why there was some excitement when the Colts acquired Foles this offseason. While Matt Ryan is the guy at quarterback, everyone wants insurance for the nightmare situation of losing a starting quarterback. Foles in Frank Reich’s system provided that insurance. However, there’s now a question of if he’ll even win the QB2 spot.

In Saturday’s preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, Indy played four quarterbacks. In order of appearance, Indianapolis played Ryan, Foles, Sam Ehlinger, and undrafted rookie Jack Coan. Foles was second into the game and last year’s QB2, Ehlinger, was third.

After the performance of both Foles and Ehlinger, some were questioning if Sam Ehlinger was on his way to taking the No. 2 quarterback spot away from Nick Foles.

Could Sam Ehlinger jump Nick Foles on Colts’ depth chart?

While Reich told the media that there went currently any plans for changes, many finished Saturday’s game more impressed by Ehlinger than Nick Foles. Foles was 7-of-11 for 72 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and one fumble.

Sam Ehlinger, on the other hand, was 10-of-11 for 88 yards and two touchdowns. He impressed everyone with his ability to extend plays with his legs and connect with pass-catchers while throwing on the run. With multiple highlight plays from Ehlinger, a small seed for a backup quarterback controversy was planted.

However, there are so many more factors at play. For starters, the coaches get to evaluate both Foles and Ehlinger every day, not just in the preseason games. Additionally, all preseason game reps aren’t created equal. Opposing competition has to be taken into account, so there’s so much more the team will have to review on film than just the box score.

Ultimately, Ehlinger was impressive on Saturday, and considering that he’s fighting for a roster spot either in Indy or elsewhere, he will need to continue to be impressive. With two more preseason games, Ehlinger still has a chance to jump Nick Foles and earn the title of QB2.

Colts players on the roster bubble after first preseason game

These Indianapolis Colts players could find themselves on the outside of the roster looking in after the team does its final cuts.