INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 15: Sam Ehlinger #4 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before the preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 15, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The battle for the Indianapolis Colts‘ backup quarterback job quickly morphed into one of the most intriguing training camp storylines in the NFL.
While Jacob Eason was widely said to have the upper hand after his strong performance in the Colts’ second preseason game, rookie Sam Ehlinger refused to give an inch in practice.
Ehlinger got the start in Friday’s preseason finale against the Lions and the moment didn’t prove too big for the young quarterback, as he delivered arguably the highlight of the preseason when he miraculously avoided a sack and connected with Dezmon Patmon for a 60-yard gain through the air in the second quarter.