Colts decide to keep Sam Ehlinger as third quarterback after impressive preseason
As the Indianapolis Colts trimmed their roster to 53 players, second-year quarterback, Sam Ehlinger, made the team’s active roster.
The most impressive preseason player for the Indianapolis Colts was second-year quarterback Sam Ehlinger. Playing in all three preseason games as the third-string quarterback, Ehlinger delivered three eye-popping performances that got everyone talking. However, it wasn’t a guarantee that he would make the roster.
The Colts had already signed Nick Foles, and considering his experience with head coach Frank Reich, Foles was essentially a lock as QB2 behind Matt Ryan. But, Indianapolis had to acknowledge Ehlinger’s growth and they couldn’t risk losing him on waivers.
If the team decided to release Ehlinger, they would have had to hope he cleared waivers so that he could be added to the practice squad. However, after his preseason performances, Ehlinger probably would’ve gotten claimed on waivers, so the Colts made the decision to just keep him on the roster.
Colts QB Sam Ehlinger is expected to remain on the final roster after today's final cuts are complete, per source.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) August 30, 2022
Colts will carry three quarterbacks after keeping Sam Ehlinger
There’s an argument that Ehlinger played better than any quarterback in the preseason across the league, though, a lot of the league’s best quarterbacks weren’t playing. But, there still were a lot of talented young guys getting plenty of snaps and Ehlinger outshined them all.
Now, he’ll have more time to continue proving himself to Indianapolis. While Matt Ryan is obviously the QB1 for now, he’s 37 years old and entering his 15th season while Ehlinger is entering his second season at 23 years old. Ryan is towards the end of his career, and with the development that Ehlinger has made in one season, anything is possible.
With his ability to use his legs and his improved passing, Ehlinger can be an interesting choice at quarterback down the road. With him being retained by the Colts, there’s still a chance that he could be the quarterback of the future.
