Tag: Colts training camp

Bears and Colts announce joint training camp practice dates

Mark your calendars for these joint training camp practice dates between the Bears and Colts.

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The Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts are holding joint practices ahead of their preseason tilt this August and the dates and times are now official.

On Tuesday, The Bears and Colts both announced the joint practices will take place August 16 and 17 at the Grand Sports Complex in Westfield, IN, just north of Indianapolis. Each practice begins at 6:00 ET and fans are allowed free entry with a ticket that can be obtained at Colts.com/Camp. The practices take place a few days prior to the preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 19.

This will be the second time in three years that the Bears hold joint training camp practices with another organization. They last did so in 2021 when they welcomed the Miami Dolphins to Halas Hall ahead of a preseason game at Soldier Field.

The Bears will report to Halas Hall on July 25 with the first practice taking place July 26. The first practice open to fans takes place on July 27.

WATCH: Sam Ehlinger tosses touchdown at Colts training camp, continues to impress

In 11-on-11 work on Thursday, Ehlinger was 13-of-16 with three touchdowns. Here’s one to Michael Pittman Jr.

Former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger is continuing to turn heads at the Indianapolis Colts training camp.

The former Longhorn was selected by the Colts in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft and was widely viewed as a developmental quarterback at the professional level. He entered training camp in Indianapolis with hopes of competing for the backup job to Carson Wentz.

Within the first week of camp, Wentz suffered a foot injury that required surgery and his timeline to return is unknown. Reports originally stated that Wentz could miss the first several weeks of the season, but it’s seeming more likely that he could be ready to return by Week 1.

Ehlinger quickly stepped up as a rookie and continues to impress when given the opportunity. He is now splitting first-team reps with second-year quarterback Jacob Eason, and it appears the Colts will roll with one of the two youngsters during Wentz’s absence.

On Thursday, Ehlinger continued his ascension and looked sharp in the joint practice with the Carolina Panthers. He completed 13-of-16 passes with three touchdowns. Eason also appeared to have a solid day and it’s still seemingly his job to lose. However, Ehlinger has made this a fascinating battle.

The Colts’ three preseason games will be crucial for both Ehlinger and Eason. One of the two will likely have to play meaningful snaps for Indianapolis if head coach Frank Reich does not want to start Wentz until he is 100% healthy.

Take a look at Ehlinger’s touchdown pass to Michael Pittman Jr. on Thursday.

The Colts first preseason game will take place on Sunday, August 15, at 12 p.m. CST against the Carolina Panthers.

Former Texas QB Sam Ehlinger earns first-team reps with the Colts

It’s happening. Keep an eye on the Colts QB battle over the next few weeks!

Well that escalated quickly.

Former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger was widely viewed as a developmental quarterback at the professional level. In fact, many NFL draft analysts mentioned that his best case scenario would be to become a backup quarterback.

After the Indianapolis Colts selected Ehlinger in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft, the rookie was expected to compete with Jacob Eason to become Carson Wentz’s primary backup.

However, Wentz went down with a foot injury early in training camp and is expected to be sidelined through the first few weeks of the season. Ehlinger quickly stepped up and the team appeared to rally around him.

Several Indianapolis reporters have tabbed the former Longhorn as the more consistent quarterback throughout practices, and his impressive last week of performances has now earned him first team reps.

Eason is considered the favorite to land the starting role during Wentz’s absence, but the second-year player hasn’t thrown an NFL pass yet, much like Ehlinger. The Colts’ three preseason games will be telling for both Ehlinger and Eason’s future in Indianapolis.

It’s still certainly possible, and arguably likely, that the Colts could bring in another veteran quarterback to fill the void. However, it appears they’ll wait to see how the two young quarterbacks perform through a couple of preseason games.

It’s hard to root against a player like Ehlinger who consistently showcases his competitive nature, effort and resiliency.