The Colts said Sam Ehlinger would be their quarterback for the remainder of the season, but interim head coach Jeff Saturday changed it back to Matt Ryan for Sunday’s game against the Raiders.
Ryan had started the first seven games of the season for Indianapolis and threw for 2,008 yards and nine touchdowns but he also threw nine interceptions. The Colts were 3-3-1 in his seven starts.
Ehlinger started the two previous weeks for Indianapolis, going 0-2 with losses to Washington and New England. He had 304 yards, no touchdowns and an interception in his two starts.
The move was Saturday’s biggest since being named interim head coach on Monday after the firing of Frank Reich. Reich went 40-33-1 in his four-plus season with the Colts, making two playoff appearances.
Ryan’s return to action has been mediocre thus far. He’s been very efficient, going 17-for-21 through three quarters but has only thrown for 175 yards. Ryan does have a one-yard rushing touchdown. The Colts led the Raiders at the end of the third quarter 19-14 after a Jonathan Taylor 66-yard rushing touchdown. They went for two and failed.
Colts held on to win 25-20 to give Saturday his first-ever head coaching win in the NFL. Saturday was hired as a consultant to the Colts prior to the season and after Reich’s firing, owner Jim Irsay passed over assistant coaches in favor of Saturday, who was also working as an analyst for ESPN.
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