The 2022 season will come to an end for the Colts on Sunday, but not before yet another change at the quarterback position. Interim head coach Jeff Saturday announced on Monday that Sam Ehlinger will be under center for Indianapolis’ Week 18 contest against the Texans. 
Veteran Nick Foles had been moved to the top of the depth chart two weeks ago as part of the team’s plans to shut down Matt Ryan. That gave the former Eagle, Jaguar and Bear another chance to take the reins of an offense – albeit one, in this case, which has woefully underperformed relative to preseason expectations. Foles threw three interceptions in a 20-3 loss to the Chargers in his first start in one year.
Things were not faring much better during yesterday’s loss to the Giants before the 33-year-old suffered a rib injury. It forced him to exit the game, and he did not return. Saturday confirmed that he will not be available to suit up this Sunday, meaning that Ryan will once again dress, but as the backup. The Colts’ intentions of preventing an injury to the former MVP (and the associated 2023 salary cap issues that would incur) were behind that latest decision.
As a result, Ehlinger will be back atop the depth chart. The 2021 sixth-rounder took over for Ryan in Week 8, and remained as the No. 1 for the following game. He totaled 304 scoreless yards during that span, while throwing an interception and taking 11 sacks. The Texas product performed better in relief of Foles yesterday, including his first career touchdown pass, but a significant follow-up would be required this week to cast any doubt on the sense that the Colts will once again be heavily involved in the offseason quarterback market.
This latest switch adds even further to the fluidity Indianapolis has dealt with throughout the 2022 campaign. As Zak Keefer of The Athletic illustrates (on Twitter), the Colts have had seven different QB depth charts this year, with all three passers occupying each spot at least once. In Ehlinger’s case, he has been a starter, backup and third-stringer on multiple occasions over the course of the season. Week 18 will offer him one final chance to audition for playing time in 2023 and help inform the team’s offseason QB plans.
What a hideous, hideous matchup.
Maybe there’ll be another tie.
Yeah, not likely to be a ratings spectacular…
The Jets are probably in a similar situation. Mike White was out there yesterday because he presented the best chance to compete while they still had a shot at a wildcard. However, once it was clear his rib injury was affecting his accuracy, he should have been pulled for a rotation of Flacco and Streveler. Now, Streveler is out of elevation options from the practice squad. If he’s going to play, he has to be signed to the main roster. If not, my guess is Zach Wilson will get one more opportunity, especially since it’s on the road. The two aren’t mutually exclusive, though. They could sign Streveler and play him along with Wilson. If they don’t, there’s a chance the Dolphins would sign him off the Jets practice squad to back up Thompson since both Tua and Teddy could be out. (Tua should be out. The doctors should not clear him after three concussions.)
while I think they see Mike White as the easiest cheapest solution next year and want to give him a long look..
i agree it’s crazy that the Jets were in payoff contention and have a proven commodity like Flacco sitting idle.
Give the UT ex a real chance at being the Colts starting QB next year.
Can he get 29? My wife needs to win the pool once this season.
breaking… colts decide to challenge Texans for worst team in the league
Colts need to sign a QB fast…
Should Ryan somehow play and get hurt the Colts are on the hook for $40m.