Colts Could Be Turning To Sam Ehlinger As Their Starting Quarterback While Carson Wentz Is Sidelined

Could former Texas Longhorn and sixth-round draft pick Sam Ehlinger be the Week 1 starter for the Indianapolis Colts?

When Carson Wentz opted to undergo foot surgery that will keep him sidelined for 5-12 weeks, it was assumed that Indy would either make a trade for a veteran, or roll with backup Jacob Eason.

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But on Tuesday, the team was giving rookie late round pick Sam Ehlinger some reps with the first team offense.

Colts closed out today’s practice with rookie sixth-round pick Sam Ehlinger working as Indy’s starting QB. Today was the first day of camp in which Ehlinger took some reps with the Colts’ starters.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 10, 2021

Sam Ehlinger Time In Indianapolis?

Until today, Jacob Eason had taken every rep with the first team while Carson Wentz has been out, and coach Frank Reich even admitted that Eason was “in the drivers seat” to start the season as the quarterback.

But perhaps Eason has showed some expected struggles in Training Camp, and Reich is seeing what he could have with Ehlinger.

If the Colts don’t want to go and make a move to either get Philip Rivers out of retirement, or trade for Nick Foles (who publicly lobbied to play for Frank Reich again), Sam Ehlinger could be the best option.

During his long career at Texas, Ehlinger showed limited arm strength, but his mobility is a real weapon, and he has the gamer mentality.

The Indianapolis Colts will undoubtedly hope that Carson Wentz’s injury doesn’t keep him sidelined for too long, but maybe they can build an offense around Sam Ehlinger for the time being.

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