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Sam Ehlinger continues to impress in preseason, earns rushing touchdown vs. Chicago

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•08/19/23•

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Ethan Miller/Getty Images

The Indianapolis Colts have made their quarterback situation pretty clear. Anthony Richardson was selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft and has already been named QB1. The Florida product is considered the future and is already being treated as such.

However, there is a capable backup on the roster in Sam Ehlinger. He got a chance to start last season and is once again proving himself in the preseason. The latest example came on Saturday night as Indianapolis was hosting the Chicago Bears.

Ehlinger dropped back to pass deep in the red zone. When nothing immediately emerged as an option, he stepped up in the pocket and took off toward the goal line. Running in untouched, Ehlinger once again showed he is able to make plays with his legs.

You can watch the full play from Ehlinger here.

When Ehlinger entered the game, Indianapolis was down by 10 and needed a comeback. The rushing touchdown got the party started before leading a game-winning drive a few minutes later. Yes, it’s the preseason but an overall impressive showing from Ehlinger.

Sam Ehlinger heading into another year with Indianapolis

During the 2022 season, Ehlinger made an appearance in four games and started in three. However, the Colts were not on the winning end in any of the three starts. Ehlinger completed just over 63% of his throws with 573 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions.

As shown on Saturday, there is an ability to be effective on the ground too. Ehlinger rushed for 87 yards on 17 attempts but was not able to get into the end zone. Indianapolis was not sold on winning football games but did get a good look at what Ehlinger can bring to the table.

Unfortunately for him, his role is likely set as the backup. Richardson has come into training camp and earned the starting job. The Colts have quite the record drafting quarterbacks in the first round and are hoping Richardson is the latest hit.

But there has to be a good feeling of having a backup capable of having nice moments like Ehlinger’s touchdown run. In what has been a bit of a quarterback carousel since Andrew Luck retired a few years ago, there has been no consistency in the room.

Having the likes of Richardson and Ehlinger over the next few years will be a positive for the franchise.