Who is Sam Ehlinger? Former Texas Star Is Replacing Matt Ryan

Sam Ehlinger will start for the remainder of the 2022 season instead of Matt Ryan, according to the Indianapolis Colts coach Frank Reich, who made the announcement on Monday.

“Right now, the move is for Sam to be the starter for the rest of the season,” Reich told reporters.

Ehlinger, a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, did not appear in any of the Colts’ first seven games this season.

“It’s a big step, but we think he’s ready,” Reich said of Ehlinger. “This guy’s special.”

For 243 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in the Colts’ 19-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday in Nashville, Ryan completed 33 of 44 throws. Ryan also suffered a Grade 2 shoulder separation, according to Reich, and will not practice this week.

Ryan threw back-to-back interceptions, including a pick-six, against the Titans. Just seven regular-season games after trading their former starter, Carson Wentz, to the Washington Commanders in a deal, the Colts are looking to replace Ryan behind the centre to see if it increases their chances of winning.

Before Ehlinger makes his first NFL start of the regular season this week against the Commanders and their own backup, Taylor Heinicke, as Wentz recovers from a finger injury.

Let’s take a closer look at this new Colts starter Sam Ehlinger –

In 2017, Ehlinger signed with Texas and broke numerous records while still in college. With 16 rushing touchdowns in 2018, he surpassed the previous record held by a Longhorns quarterback. With 308, he set a new Big 12 record for the most consecutive pass attempts made without an interception.

He was the sixth two-time team captain in team history and steered the team to 27 victories, the fourth-most in school history.

He was selected as the CBS Sports Preseason Player of the Year, the 2020 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year, and a CBS Sports Preseason All-American.

NFL Draft
Ehlinger was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the No. 218 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. In May 2021, he agreed to a four-year rookie contract.

At the time, Carson Wentz was the Colts’ starting quarterback.

NFL Career 
Jacob Eason and Ehlinger faced off for the backup position in 2021. He suffered an ACL sprain, which resulted in his being put on injured reserve in September 2021.

In 2021, he participated in the team’s 21-18 comeback victory over the Carolina Panthers.

Here is a look at Ehlinger’s 2022 preseason stats:

  • Completion-Attempts: 24-29
  • Passing yards: 289
  • Passing touchdowns: 4
  • Rushing touchdowns :1
  • Turnovers: 0
  • Passer rating: 147.8

Ehlinger was the Colts’ unquestioned star during the preseason when he completed 82.8% of his passes for 289 yards, four TDs and a 147.8 rating. He also was the team’s leading rusher with 71 yards on six attempts.

“Sam earned that right now,’’ Reich said of elevating him as Ryan’s backup last week.

 

 

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