INDIANAPOLIS (INAS) —
Colts second-year quarterback Sam Ehlinger will start in a limited role against AFC South opponent Tennessee this Sunday in Nashville.
Ehlinger surpassed veteran quarterback Nick Foles to become the Colts’ backup quarterback this week, a move aimed to broaden Colts Head Coach Frank Reich’s repertoire, particularly in short yardage situations.
“Last week, we spoke about a couple situations that didn’t wind up running, so we’ll see what they want to do (this week),” Elhinger said.
Ehlinger sparkled in three preseason appearances, completing 24/29 passes for 289 yards and five combined touchdowns. Ehlinger, a former University of Texas standout, had no errors and finished with a passer rating of 147.
Foles is projected to stay on the inactive list for the upcoming games. This was not the reason Ehlinger was enticed to Indianapolis by the Super Bowl MVP offer from the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite the choice, Ehlinger feels the two former West Lake High School (Austin, TX) quarterbacks have not changed.
“I can’t say enough about Nick (Foles) as a man,” Ehlinger added. “We both attended to the same high school, so we have a great relationship,” Ehlinger explained. Our friendship has remained unchanged.” It’s still a great time. Nobody could have handled it better than he has.”
In the NFL, Ehlinger has 18 career snaps and zero career pass attempts, but that is going to change shortly.