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Denver Broncos quarterback Sam Ehlinger turned down an opportunity to return to the Indianapolis Colts as the team looked for options to replace Daniel Jones after he suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury.
Ehlinger, who spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Colts before joining the Broncos’ practice squad, said The Denver Post that he spent time weighing the decision after his agent had lengthy discussions with the team.
Sam Ehlinger (4) of the Denver Broncos battles against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of a preseason game at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 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 a part of it,” Ehlinger told the outlet.
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“I spent four years in Indianapolis and I love everyone there. It’s obviously a difficult situation.”
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 told the Denver Post that the team plans to bring him in 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 October 26, 2025. (Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILIP RIVERS EMBRACES NFL RETURN TO QUARTERBACK AFTER RETURN TO COLTS: “I THOUGHT THE SHIP HAD SAILED”
Speaking to reporters this week, Rivers hoped he would start against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. He last played in 2020, but coming out of retirement presented an exciting opportunity for the NFL veteran.
“I was excited about something 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 away from it,” he said. “I know there are risks, which may or may not happen, but the only way to find out is to go for it.”
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) on the sideline during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 6, 2020. (Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports)
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The Seahawks host the Colts on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.
