Sam Ehlinger, former Texas Longhorns QB, solid in NFL debut; Colts lose 17-16

While he was solid in his NFL starting quarterback debut for the Indianapolis Colts, the Washington Commanders scored a late touchdown to top the Colts 17-16 on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

INDIANAPOLIS (KXAN) — Former Texas Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger will have to wait a week for his first NFL victory.

While he was solid in his NFL starting quarterback debut for the Indianapolis Colts, the Washington Commanders scored a late touchdown to top the Colts 17-16 on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Ehlinger completed 17 of 23 passes for 201 yards, and he rushed for 15 yards on six carries. He was sacked twice and lost 12 yards on those plays.

The third quarter was a big one for Ehlinger. He connected with rookie receiver Alec Pierce for a 47-yard play with 4:43 left, his longest of the game. Then with three seconds left, he found Parris Campbell on a wide receiver screen for a 40-yard gain.

Ehlinger had the Colts inside the red zone in the second quarter but perhaps stayed in the pocket a little too long. He took a hit, fumbled and Washington jumped on it to thwart the Colts' scoring opportunity.

Ehlinger completed his first NFL regular season pass to Michael Pittman Jr. for six yards. Pittman finished the game with 53 yards on seven catches. Ehlinger completed passes to five different receivers.

The Colts (3-4-1) play at New England on Oct. 3. The game will be regionally televised on CBS.