The Indianapolis Colts contacted former quarterback Sam Ehlinger’s representation before signing veteran Philip Rivers on Wednesday, according to Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post.
Ehlinger ultimately chose to remain on the Denver Broncos’ practice squad.
“We’re really happy here and enjoy the organization, the path we’re on and what we’re building,” Ehlinger said, per Gabriel. “I want to be part of that. I was in Indianapolis for four years and I love everybody over there. It’s just a difficult situation, obviously.”
The Colts’ search for a new starting quarterback began when Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles during their 36-19 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Ehlinger was selected by Indianapolis with a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft.
He appeared in eight games across four seasons with the Colts, including six starts. The former Texas standout completed 63.4 percent of his throws for 573 yards and three touchdowns compared to three interceptions.
Ehlinger eventually agreed to a one-year contract with Denver in March.
While he wasn’t able to secure a spot on the Broncos’ 53-man roster, ESPN’s Jeff Legwold reported that the quarterback turned down “at least two offers” to join an active roster elsewhere in order to become a member of the team’s practice squad.
The Colts also reportedly contacted veteran signal-caller Derek Carr before agreeing to terms with Rivers.
Indianapolis sits at 8-5 this season, but the team has lost four of its past five games.
Offensive issues surfaced prior to Jones’ injury, as the Colts have failed to score more than 20 points in each of their past three games.
Now, Indianapolis has Rivers on its practice squad with Riley Leonard’s status uncertain moving forward due to a knee injury. Rivers hasn’t suited up in an NFL game since the 2020 season, appearing in 16 contests with the Colts.