The Indianapolis Colts made a major announcement Monday regarding who their starting quarterback will be for the rest of the season.
Head coach Frank Reich announced that Sam Ehlinger will replace Matt Ryan as the starting quarterback. While Ryan is recovering from a separated shoulder, the move was apparently in the works regardless.
“Matt is committed to helping this team,” Reich said. He also praised how much of a “pro” Ryan has been despite the shocking benching.
“Right now the move is for Sam to be the starter for the rest of the season,” Reich said.
Reich said making this decision to bench Ryan was a difficult one but he has been impressed with Ehlinger in practice and how he seems to have more chemistry with the team.
“It’s a big step but we think he’s ready,” Reich said. “This guy’s special. … Sam, he’s got that about him. He plays, he practices in a way he’ll be ready.
Ehlinger will be backed up by Nick Foles for the 3-3-1 Colts while Ryan recovers from his injury.
Matt Ryan and this Colts’ offense has struggled all season as he has thrown for just over 2,000 yards, with nine touchdowns but also nine interceptions, the most in the NFL.
Many thought when the Colts traded for him, Ryan would be the missing piece they needed to make the playoffs this year. Instead, the Colts’ offense has been a huge disappointment.
Ehlinger might be the breath of fresh air this team needs moving forward. Or, perhaps, he’ll be just the latest Indy quarterback not to work out.
About Stacey Mickles
Stacey is a 1995 graduate of the University of Alabama who has previously worked for other publications such as Sportskeeda and Saturday Down South.