Sam Ehlinger is officially on the Denver Broncos’ 53-man roster to start the season, a decision that absolutely locks down their quarterback room after a preseason performance nobody saw coming. This wasn’t just a filler spot; Ehlinger earned his way on with a phenomenal showing that left the coaching staff zero choice but to keep him around.
Ehlinger’s Preseason Finale Was Absolutely Bonkers
You gotta talk about what went down against the Minnesota Vikings. Ehlinger went absolutely off, slinging 15 of 20 passes for a ridiculous 233 yards and 3 touchdowns! The Broncos absolutely dominated that game, winning it 34-6. That kind of performance from a guy who’s been a practice squad backup of the backup? That’s the stuff that makes you do a double-take. Mike Klis from 9News, who broke the news, specifically said Ehlinger’s “terrific performance Friday night no doubt helped cement the deal.” It wasn’t just good; it was deal-sealing good. When you put up numbers like that in a high-stakes preseason game, you force the team’s hand, plain and simple.
Coach Payton Has Been High On This Guy For A While
It’s not like this came out of nowhere, though. Head Coach Sean Payton has apparently been a fan, holding Ehlinger in “high regard” all season. Earlier this year, Payton told reporters Ehlinger just needed to “stay the course.” He even dropped a quote about it: “Just what he’s doing. He’s getting reps. Stay the course. Some of the things, some of his strengths you don’t get to see. They’re the spontaneous plays that get whistled out early that don’t get finished. I think he’s doing well with the system.” Ehlinger has been in Denver since last season, signing a one-year deal, and then another one this season. The guy was a sixth-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts back in 2021, so it’s been a serious grind to get to this point, but he stuck with it and now he’s officially on the main squad.
Why This Roster Spot Is More Than Just Depth
So, why make the call for Ehlinger to join Nix and Stidham in the QB room? It boils down to one thing: the coaching staff couldn’t risk losing him. After that monster game against the Vikings, they knew if they tried to expose him to waivers, some other team would snatch him up faster than you can say “touchdown.” Keeping him on the 53-man roster is a strategic play, protecting an asset who clearly has potential and has shown he can perform when the lights are on. It means the Broncos see something real in Ehlinger, something beyond just a camp arm. They’re investing in his future, and you gotta wonder if this performance, and Payton’s faith, means we’ll see more of those “spontaneous plays” that usually get whistled dead. What’s next for Ehlinger? He’s proven he can make the big plays; now he has to show he can be consistent and ready if his number gets called. The regular season is kicking off soon, and with Ehlinger locked in, the Broncos’ quarterback situation just got a whole lot more interesting. Fans in Denver should be hyped to see what this guy can do with the opportunity he’s fought so hard for.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mile High Report.
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