Longhorns Country

Former Longhorn Sam Ehlinger "Working As Starter" for Colts in Week 17 Practice

With Carson Wentz added to the COVID list on Tuesday, former Longhorns star Sam Ehlinger will be taking the reigns in practice this week
Zach Dimmitt|
Former Longhorn Sam Ehlinger "Working As Starter" for Colts in Week 17 Practice
Former Longhorn Sam Ehlinger "Working As Starter" for Colts in Week 17 Practice

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Texas LonghornsIndianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Carson Wentz was added to the COVID-19 list on Tuesday, putting former Texas signal-caller Sam Ehlinger in line to position to potentially get the first start of his NFL career. 

As such, even with the possibility that Wentz could be cleared by the time that Colts take the field on Sunday, Ehlinger is reportedly working as the starter for Indianapolis so far this week in practice. 

The NFL recently adjusted its protocols for players who are not showing symptoms, increasing Wentz's chances of being cleared in time for the game. 

The Colts (9-6) are fresh off of a big 22-16 win on the road on Christmas Day against the Arizona Cardinals. Wentz and MVP-caliber running back Jonathon Taylor led the charge, but it's looking like Ehlinger will be making the handoffs to the workhorse tailback for the time being. 

Ehlinger has seen some garbage-time action this season but has yet to throw a pass. In three games this year, the former Longhorn has three rushes for nine yards. 

As they have all season, the Colts will likely rely on Taylor this Sunday as the team continues to fight for playoff position with two games remaining in the regular season.  Indianapolis is currently the fifth seed in the AFC but could drop out of the playoff race with losses in the final two weeks. 

Ehlinger offers some big-play potential with his rushing ability, something that head coach Frank Reich will likely implement in this week's game-plan. 

Sunday's kickoff at Lucas Oil Stadium is scheduled for 12 p.m. C.T., as Ehlinger and the Colts look to defend home turf. 

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Zach Dimmitt
ZACH DIMMITT

Zach Dimmitt is the Deputy Editor for Texas Longhorns On SI and Texas A&M Aggies On SI. He also contributes as a writer for the On SI channels of the Oregon Ducks, Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans. He was previously the editor-in-chief of Buffalo Bills on SI, Philadelphia Eagles on SI and Seattle Seahawks on SI. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Dimmitt received his Bachelor’s Degree in journalism at the University of Texas at Austin in 2022. He originally started with SI’s Fan Nation network in 2021, providing extensive coverage of the NFL and NBA along with college football and basketball. In that time, Dimmitt has published thousands of stories and has reached millions of people across multiple fan bases. You can follow him on X at @ZachDimmitt7

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