After the Denver Broncos set their initial 53-man roster last month, it was a big shock when reports emerged that third-string quarterback Sam Ehlinger turned down active roster offers from other clubs to instead return to the Broncos on their practice squad. Such a decision was basically turning down the chance to earn $555,000 more elsewhere.
Now that we know more details, Ehlinger’s decision makes more sense.
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Speaking to media members last week, Ehlinger said Denver’s staff told him they would eventually “find a spot for him” on their 53-man roster, according to the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson. It didn’t take long for the Broncos to follow through on that promise as defensive lineman Malcolm Roach was placed on short-term injured reserve with a calf injury right before Week 1. Denver filled Roach’s former spot by promoting Ehlinger from the practice squad to the active roster.
“We had good conversations with the team as well and felt good about sticking around,” Ehlinger said, via Tomasson. “Obviously, I’ve already been elevated. … Both parties benefited.”
So, yes, Ehlinger did turn down 53-man roster jobs to return on the Broncos’ practice squad, but he did it with the understanding that he would end up back on the active roster. Promise made, promise kept.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL: Sam Ehlinger’s curious decision with Broncos now makes sense