DENVER, CO - AUGUST 28: Sam Ehlinger #4 of the Denver Broncos throws a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings in a preseason game at Empower Field at Mile High on August 28, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos won the game 34-6. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images

According to Mike Klis of 9News, the Denver Broncos have decided to keep quarterback Sam Ehlinger on the final 53-man roster to start the season.

Per source, QB Sam Ehlinger will be on #Broncos season-opening 53-man roster as team to keep 3.
Was deserving before his terrific performance Friday night but 15 of 20, 233, 3 TD effort in preseason finale no doubt helped cement the deal.
Ehlinger will join Nix, Stidham.

— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) August 30, 2026

Ehlinger, a former sixth-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2021 NFL Draft, has been in Denver since last season when he signed a one-year deal. He signed another one-year deal this season. He’s been a solid practice squad backup of the backup in that time.

Head Coach Sean Payton holds him in high regard, telling reports earlier this year that he just needs to ‘stay the course’. 

“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.” 

After his 15/20, 233 yard, 3 touchdown performance against the Minnesota Vikings the coaching staff decided not to risk exposing him to other teams.