Colts benching QB Matt Ryan, will start Sam Ehlinger Week 8 vs. Commanders
It was reported Monday morning that some NFL scouts believe that Matt Ryan's arm was " shot ." While he hasn't come out and used those exact words (and likely won't), Colts head coach Frank Reich made a telling announcement on Monday afternoon, saying that Ryan is being demoted from the starting quarterback role in favor of second-year pro Sam Ehlinger.
Zak Keefer of The Athletic further reported that Reich has named Ehlinger the starter for the rest of the season and that while "Matty Ice" is currently dealing with a shoulder sprain, the change under center was going to be made either way. With the injury to Ryan, backup duties will go to former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles.
Ryan was traded from the Atlanta Falcons to Indianapolis in March in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2022 draft. Through seven games, the team is 3-3-1 and Ryan has posted a 68.4% completion percentage for 2,008 passing yards, nine touchdowns and a league-leading nine interceptions.
Ehlinger will be the seventh starting quarterback for the Colts since 2018 -- Andrew Luck's final season before his abrupt retirement.
More must-reads: