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Matt Ryan Speaks On Being Benched as Colts’ Declare Quarterback Change

SGKing

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan speaks during a news conference at the NFL team's practice facility in Indianapolis, Tuesday, March 22, 2022. After 14 seasons in Atlanta, Ryan joined his new team Tuesday, March 22, 2022. In his first public comments, he thanked the Falcons for the success and memories he built during his tenure as the best starting quarterback in franchise history. But the soon-to-be 37-year-old Ryan also embraces his role with Indy. The Colts believe Ryan can make them a Super Bowl contender by stabilizing a position that has had six different opening day starters over the past six seasons. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Matt Ryan is not a happy camper.

The former Atlanta Falcons QB is no longer the Indianapolis Colts’ starting quarterback, not for the rest of 2022 and most likely never again. But the longtime Falcons signal-caller doesn’t resent Indianapolis for pulling him just seven games into his first year with the club. Addressing the Colts’ switch to second-year backup Sam Ehlinger ahead of Week 8, Matt Ryan told reporters Wednesday that he’s “personally disappointed” but understands the decision, vowing to be “here for the team.”

“I’m individually and personally disappointed,” he said. “You know, as a player, as a competitor, you wanna be out there. You wanna go. And so, it’s part of the deal in this league. You gotta produce, and … I’m frustrated that we weren’t able to do that in the first seven games. But you move forward.

“Life in this league is week-to-week, and the production has to be there,” Ryan continued, “so obviously (I’m) disappointed personally, but I’m here for the team. I think anytime as a player you just always anticipate … (the) next week, you’re gonna go, so that’s where your mindset is at, and there is a little bit of that surprise and shock or whatever, but it’s a decision they had to make. And as a player, as a teammate, you have to move forward and help out where you can.”

Ryan is currently battling a shoulder injury after the Colts’ Week 7 loss to the Titans, and is scheduled to serve as the No. 3 QB behind Ehlinger and veteran reserve Nick Foles. Matt Ryan managed just nine touchdowns and nine interceptions in seven starts this year, but the big bugaboo was fumbling 11 times.  While he’s signed through 2023, he can be released or traded after the year to save Indianapolis anywhere from $18 million to $29 million against next year’s salary cap.

The high hopes for Ryan and the Colts was huge before the season.

He’ll most likely make $12-13 million not to play for the Colts next season.

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