Former Big 12 Star Lost In Colts 53-Man Roster

Sam Ehlinger, a third-string quarterback, could lose his spot on the Indianapolis Colts’ 53-man roster this year.

The Indianapolis Colts, like other NFL teams, must reduce their roster to 53 players before the regular season begins. Will Sam Ehlinger make the cut?

During training camp and the preseason, the former Texas Longhorn will battle for Indianapolis’ emergency third quarterback position. It will not surprise the world if he holds his position and makes the 53-man roster. However, it is not surprising that he will be beaten out by someone else.

Former Big 12 Star Might Not Make Colts 53-Man Roster

Sam Ehlinger’s Football Career

Sam Ehlinger excelled at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas. He broke school marks set by future NFL quarterback Drew Brees and former Colt Nick Foles.

Ehlinger later attended the University of Texas. Over his four seasons with the Longhorns, he threw for 11,436 yards and 94 touchdowns. He also earned the Sugar Bowl and Alamo Bowl MVP awards and was awarded Second-Team All-Big 12 in 2020.

The Colts drafted Ehlinger in the sixth round (218th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. In his first preseason game, he led Indianapolis to a stunning 23-18 comeback victory over the Carolina Panthers. Ehlinger would beat out Jacob Eason for the No. 2 quarterback position behind starter Carson Wentz.

During the Colts’ disastrous 4-12-1 season in 2022, Ehlinger served as Matt Ryan’s backup. He started three regular-season games that year and lost all of them. Ehlinger performed well in his debut against the Washington Commanders, completing 17 of 23 pass attempts for 201 yards. But he struggled terribly against the New England Patriots, finishing 15/29 for 103 yards. Ehlinger did not start any games last season since he was behind Gardner Minshew.

Will He Make the Colts Roster?

Two Colts quarterbacks, Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco, are guaranteed to make the roster. Richardson, the fourth overall pick in 2023, is coming off a season-ending shoulder injury that derailed his first season. Flacco will act as his primary backup this season. The former Super Bowl MVP succeeds Minshew, who has joined the Las Vegas Raiders.

Who will be Indianapolis’ third quarterback? Sam Ehlinger will compete with rookie undrafted free agents Kedon Slovis and Jason Bean for the job. Despite not being picked, they all have a good chance of beating out Ehlinger.

Slovis, the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year at USC, and Bean, the Guaranteed Rate Bowl MVP from Kansas, are both highly athletic. Slovis ran the 40-yard sprint in 4.55 seconds during the NFL Scouting Combine. It was the fastest time recorded for any quarterback. Meanwhile, Bean carried for 1,342 yards and 14 touchdowns both at North Texas and Kansas. He also got reps at wide receiver and running back.

Slovis and Bean would thrive under Colts coach Shane Steichen’s attack. Because of their athleticism, they might become perfect backups for Richardson, one of the league’s best running quarterbacks.

However, Ehlinger has NFL experience. The Austin, Texas native has started three regular season games and is familiar with Steichen’s system. Having said that, he could definitely keep his spot on the Colts’ roster. We’ll see how everything plays out.