Broncos' practice squad quarterback reveals he declined opportunity to return to Colts

Phillip Rivers at 44-years-old was signed by the Indianapolis Colts to their practice squad. Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes ask if this is a mistake, and if the Pittsburgh Steelers silenced their critics with a win over the Baltimo...

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 of the Denver Broncos runs against the Saints at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans 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 of the Broncos looks to pass against the Dallas Cowboys at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Oct. 26, 2025. (Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

PHILIP RIVERS EMBRACES NFL