Sam Ehlinger promoted to Colts backup QB, signaling a likely end for Matt Ryan

The Colts are shaking up their quarterback depth chart once again.

Indianapolis will not only be starting Nick Foles over Matt Ryan on Monday night against the Chargers, but it will also elevate Sam Ehlinger above Ryan to serve as the backup.

Ryan will be inactive Monday and has likely taken his final snap with the Colts. Indianapolis was officially eliminated from playoff contention with the Jaguars' win over the Jets on Thursday, and playing Ryan would risk $17 million of his 2023 salary that can guarantee if an injury lingers through the spring. As of now, the Colts can cut Ryan with a $18 million cap hit for 2023.

The 37-year-old Ryan hasn't had a smooth first season with the Colts, and it's only gotten tougher since a shoulder separation has limited his ability and willingness to drive the ball beyond 15 yards. The 15th-year NFL starter has led comebacks for the four wins and a tie on the Colts' 4-9-1 record, but his lack of mobility and arm strength has been problematic behind a leaky offensive line.

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Colts interim coach Jeff Saturday announced on Wednesday that Foles would start against the Chargers. It'll be the first start of the season for the longtime backup and Super Bowl MVP, and Wednesday's practice reps were his first with the first team.

"This is what he's done for the majority of his career," Saturday said. "He knows how to handle it. He knows how to get in and make adjustments and make himself feel at home with the guys. He hasn't done much with the 1's, but he's worked well this week, and we feel like he brings a lot of energy and leadership. From his perspective, this is old hat for him."

With Ryan inactive, Ehlinger will serve as the backup. The second-year, sixth-round pick has ping-ponged between starting, backing up and being inactive on game day, but now he has a chance to step into the game if Foles were to get hurt. Ehlinger, who started in losses to the Commanders and Patriots, brings a level of mobility the other quarterbacks don't. The Colts could look to use him in some quarterback run packages with Jonathan Taylor's season over.

With Taylor out, Deon Jackson and Zack Moss will rotate at running back like they did against the Vikings, when they combined for 37 carries.

The Colts have not yet ruled any player out for Monday night's game, though a full game status report will be available Friday afternoon.

Contact Colts insider Nate Atkins at natkins@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @NateAtkins_.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts: Sam Ehlinger promoted to backup QB spot