Colts' Nick Foles to start over Matt Ryan vs. Chargers

The Indianapolis Colts have mercifully ended their Matt Ryan experiment, likely for good. 

As noted by Nick Shook of the NFL's website, Colts interim coach Jeff Saturday confirmed Wednesday that veteran Nick Foles will start at quarterback over Ryan when 4-9-1 Indianapolis hosts the 8-6 Los Angeles Chargers in the upcoming "Monday Night Football" clash. 

"Think the world of Matt. He's a pro's pro," Saturday said of the 37-year-old who has now been benched twice this season. "And I appreciate the way he's handled it. Obviously not the season he expected, nor the Colts as a whole. I feel bad for Matt but ultimately I feel like Nick gives us the best chance to win, and that's the direction we're headed."

Saturday said plenty in that last sentence considering Foles hasn't thrown a meaningful pass this season. 

ESPN's Dan Graziano and The Associated Press mentioned how former Colts head coach Frank Reich went with Sam Ehlinger over Ryan and Foles for a pair of games until team owner Jim Irsay dismissed Reich on Nov. 7. Saturday placed Ryan back atop the depth chart but is currently in the middle of a four-game losing streak coming off the Week 15 meltdown against the Minnesota Vikings that involved the Colts blowing a 33-0 lead. 

Indianapolis originally acquired Ryan from the Atlanta Falcons in March and has little but regret to show for that transaction ahead of Christmas. Per ESPN, the one-time NFL Most Valuable Player is 28th among qualified quarterbacks with an 83.9 passer rating and 25th with a 43.6 total QBR. He leads the league with 13 interceptions thrown in 12 games. 

Back in October, Nat Newell of the Indianapolis Star explained the Colts can save around $17 million under the salary cap if they release Ryan before March 17, 2023.