Before signing QB Philip Rivers the Colts were rejected by a different familiar face from their past
The Colts made a bold move signing Philip Rivers but before they did they tried to sign a different QB from their past but got declined.
The Indianapolis Colts made a shocking move this week by signing the formerly retired 44-year-old QB, Philip Rivers. This move came after starting QB Daniel Jones went down with a torn right Achilles tendon. This left the team in a pretty tough spot with their backup, Anthony Richardson, who is also still on the IR with an orbital fracture.
It seems Rivers wasn’t the only quarterback the Colts considered, though. It’s now been reported that the team also tried to sign Sam Ehlinger off of the Denver Broncos practice squad. Shockingly, Ehlinger declined that request by the Colts, electing to stay on the Broncos’ practice squad instead.
Colts tried to sign their former draft pick, Sam Ehlinger, but he declined
The Colts drafted Ehlinger in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He spent the first four years of his career with the Colts. He appeared in eight games, all of which occurred from 2021 to 2023. He has a 0-3 record as a starter and has thrown for 573 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions.
The final two years of Ehlinger’s time with the Colts came under head coach Shane Steichen. His experience and knowledge of his playbook likely played a significant role in their interest in bringing him back now. Ehlinger elected to forgo a spot on the Colts’ active roster and remains on the Broncos’ practice squad.
“We’re really happy here (Denver) and enjoy the organization, the path we’re on, and what we’re building. I want to be part of that,” said Ehlinger. He spoke on the Colts as well, saying, “I was in Indianapolis for four years and I love everybody over there. It’s just a difficult situation obviously.”
Ultimately, the Colts signed Rivers for the very same reason: his vast knowledge of Steichen’s scheme. According to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz, the Colts likely would have signed Rivers even if Ehlinger hadn’t turned them down. The thought of being on the active roster behind Rivers and Colts rookie Riley Leonard could have been a significant deterrent for Ehlinger. It probably also helps that he’s already a part of an excellent Broncos team that is 10-2 on the year.
Indianapolis Colts News
Colts may have just revealed their plan for Philip Rivers with latest decision ahead of Week 15 matchup with the Seahawks
The Colts might have just tipped their hand at who will be their Week 15 starter vs. the Seahawks between Riley Leonard and Philip Rivers.
