Matt Ryan benched, again

Merry Christmas to me!

The Indianapolis Colts are benching quarterback Matt Ryan - yes, again - for Nick Foles. Foles will be their third quarterback to start this season. Definitely not what they had planned.

The Colts are changing quarterbacks again. Nick Foles will take over for Matt Ryan as the starter Monday Night against the Chargers, and the plan is for Foles to start the final three games of the season. Announcement expected Wednesday afternoon.

— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) December 21, 2022

The first time Ryan was benched, rookie Sam Ehlinger took over, and head coach Frank Reich was later fired. Then, the Colts hired Jeff Saturday for some reason, went back to Ryan, and blew the biggest lead in NFL history.

Foles, their last hope, is a former Super Bowl MVP and has only played two snaps this season - the final snaps of a 24-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Foles said on Wednesday that he had no frustration towards the Colts for not turning to him earlier in the season.

The Colts take on Justin Herbert, an actual good QB, and the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football.

more Qb news:

• Lamar Jackson did not practice again on Wednesday, putting his status for this week in jeopardy.
  

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (knee) was not at practice. This would be his eighth straight absence.

It’s not looking likely that he’ll be back for Saturday’s game vs. Atlanta.

— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) December 21, 2022

• The Dallas Cowboys lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, but Dak Prescott played well, as long as you don't count that pick-six in overtime. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says he doesn't fault Prescott for the loss. "We can win with him playing like that, to be trite. I thought he played outstanding."
  

• Colt McCoy will not play this week, due to a concussion. QB Trace McSorley will start for the Arizona Cardinals, which will be quite an adventure.
  

Cardinals have ruled out quarterback Colt McCoy vs. the Bucs due to his concussion.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 21, 2022

• Kirk Cousins is the NFC offensive player of the week. Cousins led the Minnesota Vikings to the biggest comeback in NFL history against the Indianapolis Colts, throwing four touchdowns after the half.
  

• Josh Allen was named the AFC offensive player of the week, completing 25-of-40 passes for 304 yards and four touchdowns in a Buffalo Bills win.
  

• Ryan Tannehill is facing an "uphill battle" to play this week. Tannehill injured his ankle during Week 15's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Malik Willis would get the start should Tannehill not be able to go.
  • Because of Tannehill's injury, the Tennessee Titans signed QB Josh Dobbs off the Detroit Lions practice squad. Head coach Mike Vrabel said adding Dobbs helps the team with depth as they prepare for this week.
    

The latest on three QBs whose status is in doubt this week: Jalen Hurts, Ryan Tannehill and Mike White. @gmfb @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/0A6CaBwpPn

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 20, 2022

• The Philadelphia Eagles have not yet ruled out Jalen Hurts, but Gardner Minshew will make the start for at least this week. The team isn't that worried, though, according to tight end Dallas Goedert. "He's just got a lot of respect because he comes in here to work every day, prepares like the starter even though he knows he's the backup. He knows his role, and he just waits for an opportunity like this, and we all have faith that he's going to make the most of it."
  
  • Hurts was not seen at practice on Wednesday.
    

• The Houston Texans will continue to rotate quarterbacks this week, per Pep Hamilton. I guess it's the only thing that makes them look like a competent football team.
  

Pep Hamilton on using Jeff Driskel in two-quarterback system, said it was initially an 'experiment,' now it's a part of the offense to 'create conflict,' disrupt the defense. 'We hope it will limit the potential looks we will see.'

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 21, 2022

• The Jaguars listed Trevor Lawrence as questionable this week with a toe injury.