Matt Ryan out as Colts starter, Sam Ehlinger named replacement

INDIANAPOLIS — Just seven games into the season the Colts are making what head coach Frank Reich called a “significant change in the starting lineup”.

Sam Ehlinger will be the team’s starting quarterback going forward, after Matt Ryan and the Colts fell to 3-3-1 following Sunday’s loss in Tennessee.

Ryan came to Indy for his 15th year in the NFL, signed to a 2-year deal that was thought to be a key piece in getting the team back to the top of the AFC. But early-season issues with the offensive line and some difficulties getting the running game going were just the start of the Colts sluggish start.

Turnovers were a major issue for Ryan from the start. He had the most fumbles of any quarterback in the NFL through six games and was tied for the most interceptions.

So now the Colts are turning to Ehlinger, the team’s 2021 6th-round draft pick. Ehlinger has been working hard in training camps and practices, getting high compliments from coaches and the front office about his abilities.

Now he’ll get the chance for his first NFL start this Sunday at home when the Colts host the Washington Commanders.

Reich also announced on Monday that Matt Ryan will not practice this week, after suffering a separated shoulder in that loss to the Titans. Nick Foles will move up to No. 2 on the Colts depth chart behind Ehlinger.

WRTV Sports Reporter Brad Brown contributed to this report.