Former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger making push for Colts starting job

Sam Ehlinger continues to impress at Indianapolis Colts training camp, per Yahoo Sports. The rookie quarterback out of Texas is in competition with Jacob Eason for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.

Whichever quarterback wins could start in the season opener on Sept. 12, as Carson Wentz had surgery to repair a foot injury. Reports say Wentz could be ready to start Week 1, but his status is still very much up in the air.

Ehlinger and Eason have been splitting reps with the first team and continued to do so at Thursday’s join practice with the Carolina Panthers.

“I’m just trying to always have a plan at the line of scrimmage,” Ehlinger told Yahoo Sports. “I’ve just been focusing so much on anticipating and getting my timing square. That’s what all the film study and prep is for.”

Much was made of Ehlinger’s connection with seventh-round rookie receiver Michael Strachan. The 6-foot-5, 226-pound pass catcher sat out 2020 after Division II University of Charleston (West Virginia) canceled its season. He stood out Thursday, hauling in a red-zone pass from Ehlinger that elicited cheers from the crowd.

“Mike is a freak,” Ehlinger said. “You look at him, and you’re like … oh my goodness. It’s pretty incredible the genetics he has.”

The two connected multiple times, prompting Colts owner Jim Irsay to let out this nugget regarding Sam Ehlinger.

“With Sam, we’re always hoping and you think, ‘Where’s the next Montana or Brady? Could that be him?’ You just don’t know,” Irsay said.

Ehlinger brings plenty of experience leading an offense. He spent four seasons at Texas as the starter and was taken in the sixth-round by the Colts. Indianapolis has not yet named their backup, but it’s clear Ehlinger is quickly gaining momentum in the battle.

If he wins out, it could mean extended time as the starter. Wentz has an injury-prone history, and even once he returns there is always the fear that will will go out again. For now, Ehlinger doesn’t want to get ahead of himself. He said he is focused on the battle at hand and hopes he can come out on top in the end.

“We’re just trying to make each other better,” Ehlinger said of himself and Eason. “We want to make it a tough call [for the coaches].”