Sam Ehlinger Emerging As Potential Carson Wentz Replacement
By Peter Dewey
Oddsmakers had tabbed Jacob Eason as the de-facto replacement for Carson Wentz in Indianapolis, but it appears that rookie quarterback Sam Ehlinger has entered himself into the conversation.
The Indianapolis Colts closed out Tuesday’s practice with Ehlinger taking the first-team reps, something that he hasn’t done yet in training camp.
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
Rookie QB Sam Ehlinger getting his first reps with the 1st team offense.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) August 10, 2021
Eason will get the start in the Colts first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, but he and Ehlinger will split reps in practice leading up to that, according to head coach Frank Reich.
Jacob Eason will start Sunday’s preseason game against Carolina. BUT he will split 1st team snaps with Sam Ehlinger in the joint practices vs. the Panthers on Thursday and Friday, coach Frank Reich said
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) August 10, 2021
Ehlinger, the No. 218 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, had an impressive career at the University of Texas, and he could make a push for the job in a competition with Eason and Brett Hundley.
The Colts really don’t have much of a choice but to at least give Ehlinger a look, as Wentz is expected to be out for 5-to-12 weeks after having surgery on his foot. The Colts could always make a move for a veteran quarterback, but they seem to want to see what they have on the current roster before making a move.
In his collegiate career, Ehlinger appeared in 46 games over four seasons, throwing for 11,436 yards, 94 touchdowns and 27 interceptions. He also ran for 1,903 yards in his career, and could be somewhat of a dual-threat in Reich’s offense.
The Colts need to find a replacement for Wentz that will keep them afloat, as they’ve seen their division odds fall from -110 to +160 since the injury. WynnBET currently projects the Colts to win 8.5 games in 2021 with the over (-115) slightly favored to the under (-105).
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