Matt Ryan Injury History & Analysis

The Colts released QB Matt Ryan. The no-brainer move saves $17.2 million against the 2023 salary cap. Ryan has had a strong NFL career, but the soon-to-be 38-year-old's tank is clearly empty. He mustered just 6.6 yards per attempt with 14 TDs vs. 13 INTs in 12 outings this past season. We'll see if Ryan snags a backup job elsewhere, but he's well off the fantasy radar. The Colts are left with QBs Nick Foles and Sam Ehlinger but figure to be eyeing the position with the 4th overall pick of next month's draft.

The switch to QB Nick Foles did not work Monday night against the Chargers. The veteran backup tossed 3 INTs and took 7 sacks in the loss, compiling only 143 yards on 17-of-29 passing. TE Jelani Woods led the receiving with 43 yards, while WR Michael Pittman Jr. was the only Colt to catch more than 3 passes. Interim HC Jeff Saturday still said after the game that he has "no reservations" about switching to Foles and that he still plans to start the vet for the final 2 games.

Colts HC Jeff Saturday announced on Wednesday that the team will start QB Nick Foles in Week 16 vs. the Chargers. ESPN's Dan Graziano also reports the plan is for the team to bench Matt Ryan for the remainder of the 2022 season. Fantasy managers can consider Foles a fringe QB2 option this week, though better options are likely available. The Chargers rank as the 13th-toughest matchup in adjusted fantasy points allowed to QBs. Going from Ryan to Foles is essentially a lateral move fantasy-wise.

The Colts started QB Matt Ryan in the 1st game under interim HC Jeff Saturday, and he proved solid in the victory over the Raiders. Ryan completed 21 of his 28 passes for 222 yards (7.9 per attempt), 1 TD and no INTs. His lone TD pass went to WR Parris Campbell on a 35-yard pass and run. Ryan added an uncharacteristic 38 yards and a TD on the ground. The start came as a surprise because Saturday said at his introductory press conference that he planned to keep Sam Ehlinger in the lineup. The move back to Ryan should be good for Colts receivers, though Week 11 brings a tough matchup with the Eagles.

Colts beat writer Zak Keefer tweeted that it “appears” QB Matt Ryan will start today against the Raiders. Ryan was seen taking snaps with starting C Ryan Kelly in pre-game warmups. We’ve updated projections to account for the news.