Last week, veteran quarterback and former NFL MVP Matt Ryan was the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, just as he was at the start of the season. But earlier this week, Ryan got the news that he was being benched for the second time this season, this time in favor of fellow veteran quarterback Nick Foles. And as it turns out, the news was actually even worse than that.
Jeff Saturday announced on Friday afternoon that Sam Ehlinger would serve as the backup quarterback to Nick Foles, moving Matt Ryan to No. 3 on the depth chart and inactive for this game, according to Colts reporter Mike Chappell.
Jeff Saturday: Sam Ehlinger backing up Nick Foles. Matt Ryan 3rd and inactive.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) December 23, 2022
While it was surprising enough that Ryan was benched, it’s even more surprising that he was demoted to No. 3 on the depth chart. And as some point out, this move by the Colts makes it very likely that Ryan has now played his last game with the Colts.
Real reason why Matt Ryan probably won't play again for the #Colts?
Jeff Saturday and Co. can't say it. But if Ryan got injured and it carried over into 2023, Indianapolis would owe him A LOT more than if the team were to cut him while he's healthy at the end of this season. https://t.co/HKIo1PQ0si
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) December 23, 2022
“Real reason why Matt Ryan probably won’t play again for the #Colts? Jeff Saturday and Co. can’t say it. But if Ryan got injured and it carried over into 2023, Indianapolis would owe him A LOT more than if the team were to cut him while he’s healthy at the end of this season,” James Boyd of The Athletic pointed out.
And it looks like the curtain has come down on Matt Ryan for the 2nd time this season. He managed an encore last time, but I doubt we ever see him take a snap for the Colts again.#ForTheShoe https://t.co/xeaQca4Wqy
— CJHoytNews (@CJHoytNews) December 23, 2022
“And it looks like the curtain has come down on Matt Ryan for the 2nd time this season. He managed an encore last time, but I doubt we ever see him take a snap for the Colts again,” reporter CJ Hoyt said on Twitter.
Chris Ballard did OK on Philip Rivers but whiffed on Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan. Would be surprised if he’s back with the #Colts in 2023. https://t.co/q58igzYzLd
— Matt Cannata (@CannataPFN) December 23, 2022
“Chris Ballard did OK on Philip Rivers but whiffed on Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan. Would be surprised if he’s back with the #Colts in 2023,” Matt Cannata of Pro Football Network said.
It’s certainly been a rough year for Matt Ryan.
