Sam Ehlinger Indianapolis Colts quarterback Sam Ehlinger (4) warms up as the team gets ready to face the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Syndication The Tennessean
NFLBy Sean Keeley on

The Indianapolis Colts made a shocking, but seemingly necessary move on Monday, announcing that second-year quarterback Sam Ehlinger would replace Matt Ryan as the starter for the remainder of the season.

Reeling from the disappointment of Carson Wentz, the Colts thought that trading for Ryan this offseason would make the difference to get them into the playoffs this year. Instead, Indy’s offense has been in shambles and Ryan has been a big part of why. The veteran has completed 68.4 percent of his passes for 2,008 yards with nine touchdowns and a league-high nine interceptions so far. He’s also fumbled 11 times and been sacked 24 times, tied for most in the NFL.

There are also reports that Ryan’s arm is “shot” and this was an inevitable decision given his health. Ryan is currently dealing with a Grade 2 shoulder separation, though head coach Frank Reich made it clear that this change would have happened even if he were healthy.

“We are going to make a significant change to the starting lineup,” Reich said. “We are going to elevate Sam to be the starting quarterback. Extremely difficult decision, obviously, given the respect and admiration we have for Matt Ryan and what he’s done and what he’s brought here. He’s a pro’s pro. This guy is special, special, special.”

The 24-year-old Ehlinger was a 2021 sixth-round pick and has never started an NFL game. He’s appeared in three games but has yet to throw a pass. He does bring a more mobile option to the Colts’ offense, which could benefit the offensive line, which has been struggling to protect the less-mobile Ryan.

Is Ehlinger the answer for the Colts’ QB woes or will he be just another short-term option in their never-ending revolving door? The NFL world certainly had some thoughts on his potential.

 [Colts]

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.

View all posts by Sean Keeley