Report: Indianapolis Colts cut Jack Coan, heap high praise on Sam Ehlinger

The Indianapolis Colts have come to their decision regarding their quarterback room.

While their starter was clear — former Atlanta Falcons star Matt Ryan will be taking over the offense — gunslingers like former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger and former Notre Dame and Wisconsin signal caller Jack Coan were hoping to find a place at the table.

According to reports, Coan has been released by the Colts, while Ehlinger will continue to suit up for Indianapolis after receiving high praise from coach Frank Reich.

First, the Colts signed Coan as an undrafted free agent just after the 2022 NFL Draft, keeping him in-state in Indiana. In 2021, the New York native started 13 games for the Irish, throwing for 3,150 yards with 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He completed 65.5 percent of his attempts.

Prior to his arrival in South Bend, Coan was a four-year player and two-year starter at Wisconsin. His senior season was wiped out by injury. But he started 18 games between 2018-19 for the Badgers. His complete stat line from Wisconsin is as follows: 3,278 yards, 23 touchdowns and eight picks.

During the preseason, Coan was 10 for 19 for 91 yards passing, while adding a gorgeous touchdown to his highlight reel. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be for the former Notre Dame and Wisconsin star in Indianapolis.

As for Ehlinger, Reich couldn’t have been more complimentary of the former Texas quarterback.

“Sam has had a phenomenal preseason,” Reich said, via Nate Atkins of the Indianapolis Star. “It’s hard to imagine having a better preseason than he’s had. He’s done everything he’s needed to do.”

In three preseason appearance, Ehlinger competed 24 of 29 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns, while running for 71 yards and a touchdown, as well. While his NFL potential was debated by critics throughout his time at Texas, Ehlinger has proven to be a worthy backup at the least at the professional level.

While Matt Ryan will be penciled in as the starting quarterback for the Colts, perhaps Sam Ehlinger could have a couple plays designed specifically for his abilities in 2022. As for Jack Coan, he’ll be awaiting his next destination at the NFL level, hoping to stick wherever he lands.