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Denver Broncos quarterback Sam Ehlinger turned down an opportunity to return to the Indianapolis Colts as the team searched for solutions to replace Daniel Jones after he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
Ehlinger, who spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Colts before joining the Broncos practice squad, told The Denver Post that he spent time weighing the decision after his agent had extensive talks with the team.
Sam Ehlinger (4) of the Denver Broncos runs against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of a preseason game at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Aug. 23, 2025. (Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images)
“We’re really happy here and enjoy the organization, the path we’re on and what we’re building. I want to be part of that,” Ehlinger told the outlet.
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“I was in Indianapolis for four years and I love everybody over there. It’s just a difficult situation, obviously.”
Ehlinger, 27, was drafted by the Colts in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He made eight appearances for Indianapolis before signing with the Broncos before the start of the season.
The Colts instead signed 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to the practice squad. Ehlinger indicated to The Denver Post that the team was planning to bring him on alongside Rivers.
Sam Ehlinger (4) of the Denver Broncos during a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, on Oct. 26, 2025. (Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILIP RIVERS EMBRACES NFL COMEBACK AT QUARTERBACK AFTER RETURN TO COLTS: ‘I THOUGHT THAT SHIP HAD SAILED’
Speaking to reporters this week, Rivers was hopeful he would start against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. He last played in 2020, but coming out of retirement has presented an exciting opportunity for the NFL veteran.
“Something about it excited me and it’s kind of one of those deals, the door opens and you either walk through it and find out if you can do it or you run from it,” he said. “I know there’s risk involved, what may or may not happen, but the only way to find out is going for it.”
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) on the sideline during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on Dec. 6, 2020. (Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports)
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The Seahawks host the Colts on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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