Colts HC Frank Reich announced Monday that he'll start QB Sam Ehlinger next Sunday against Washington. It makes sense that Indy would want a change from Matt Ryan's poor play. It's surprising, however, that they're already turning from a high-priced veteran acquired just last offseason to a 6th-round pick from last year who has yet to throw a regular-season pass. Ryan is dealing with a shoulder strain, but Reich says, "Right now the move is for Sam to be the starter for the rest of the season," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Ehlinger did go 24-of-29 passing this preseason for 289 yards (9.97 yards per attempt) and 4 TDs (13.8% rate). Ehlinger will make his starting debut against a Washington defense that has been 7th most friendly to QB scoring this season. We'll see how this goes.
Update: Ian Rapoport reports that it's a Grade 2 shoulder separation for Ryan. Reich, however, announced the plan as a replacement going forward rather than a fill-in assignment.
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