Colts rookie Sam Ehlinger gets promotion to backup QB

With Brett Hundley back on the practice squad, Sam Ehlinger is the backup QB for the Colts.

The Indianapolis Colts made a roster move Monday that essentially made rookie quarterback Sam Ehlinger the backup to starter Carson Wentz.

In a flurry of roster moves before Week 9 gets underway, the Colts released veteran Brett Hundley from the active roster. Hundley had been serving as the backup to Wentz for the majority of the season while Ehlinger spent the first six games of the season on the injured reserve list.

With Hundley released—and subsequently signed to the practice squad—Ehlinger is now the only other quarterback on the active roster outside of Wentz.

While it isn’t all that shocking considering the love the Colts have for Ehlinger, it is a bit interesting given the discourse that took place when it came to Jacob Eason being the backup.

The Colts cited Hundley’s experience in the league as the reason why he was favored as the backup over Eason despite the latter being on the active roster the entire time. But just a mere three weeks later, Hundley and his experience were released in favor of the rookie Ehlinger.

Perhaps that experience ran out for Hundley.

Maybe this is simply a move for the short week in preparation for the Jets. They may feel they need more depth at skill positions given the short week and are willing to risk having only two quarterbacks. It’s possible the Colts go back to carrying three quarterbacks after the short week is over.

Because Hundley has already been elevated from the practice squad for gamedays twice, he’s maxed out his elevations for the season. If the Colts want him available on gamedays, Hundley has to be on the active roster—outside of him being a COVID-19 replacement.

Regardless, the Colts continue to show their love for Ehlinger and even though it isn’t clear if this is permanent, Ehlinger will be the backup to Wentz.

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