Colts Turning to QB Sam Ehlinger For Rest of Season Over Matt Ryan

The 24-year-old QB will make his first career start Sunday as the Colts host the Commanders.

“Right now, the move is for Sam to be the starter for the rest of the season.”

In HC Frank Reich’s press conference Monday, it was announced that Matt Ryan, who suffered a shoulder injury in Sunday’s 19-10 loss to the Titans, would be out for not only week 8, but also the foreseeable future. 

Ryan, who turned 37 this May and is in his 15th season, was traded from the Falcons for a third-round pick this past offseason, and counts $18.7 million against the 2022 salary cap. The Boston College product hasn’t exactly had the year that Colts fans had hoped for. With his two interceptions against the Titans, he now leads the league in picks, and has posted his lowest passer rating since 2009. “Matty Ice”, as Falcons fans dubbed him, suffered a grade 2 separated shoulder, but was only one of multiple catalysts leading to his benching for what appears to be the rest of the season.

Sam Ehlinger, who was drafted in the 6th round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has yet to throw a regular season NFL pass. The Texas product showed flashes this preseason that caused a stir among fans, on his way to finishing the preseason 24/29 for 289 yards, with four TDs and zero INTs. Reich took notice, saying, “It’s hard to imagine a better preseason than he had. He’s done everything he’s needed to do.” He also pointed to the “special sauce” that Ehlinger brings to the offense. Colts fans can only hope that that “special sauce” can bring a spark to an offense that desperately needs it on a team that had high playoff aspirations entering the 2022 season.

Frank Reich talked with all three Colts quarterbacks Monday morning, and praised how much of a “pro” Ryan has been given the situation, remarking, “Matt is committed to helping this team.” 

Ehlinger will serve as the Colts’ seventh different starting QB since 2018.

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