Colts bench QB Matt Ryan in favor of second-year pro Sam Ehlinger

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Sam Ehlinger will make his first NFL start on Sunday vs. Washington, Colts coach Frank Reich announced on Monday's teleconference.

Colts coach Frank Reich said in the lead-up to Sunday's game that they developed plays for Ehlinger, depending on down, distance and game situation.

The second-year player out of Texas hasn't thrown a regular-season NFL pass, but has shown flashes this preseason.

Ehlinger ripped off a 45-yard scramble for a touchdown, and he completed 5-of-7 passes for 65 yards, in the preseason finale against Tampa Bay. He finished this preseason 24-of-29 for 289 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Switch it up:Why the Colts made Ehlinger the backup QB instead of Foles

“Sam has had a phenomenal preseason," Colts coach Frank Reich said at the end of the preseason. "It’s hard to imagine having a better preseason than he’s had. He’s done everything he’s needed to do."

Ehlinger was drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft and finished the season as a backup to Carson Wentz. He appeared in three games and had three carries for 9 yards.

Foles appeared late in the Week 2 blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Here's what you need to know about Ehlinger:

What is Sam Ehlinger's salary?

Ehlinger's salary cap hit is $857,677 for 2022, according to Spotrac. He is under contract through 2024.

What was Sam Ehlinger's record at Texas?

Ehlinger played four seasons for Texas, completing 62.5% of his passes for 11,436 yards, 94 touchdowns and 27 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,903 yards and 33 touchdowns. The Longhorns were 30-16 in games he played.

Sam Ehlinger's brother

Jake Ehlinger was 20 years old when he died in 2021 of an accidental drug overdose.

Sam Ehlinger's NFL stats

Ehlinger appeared in three games during the 2021 season, but never attempted a pass. He has rushed three times for nine yards.

Why did Sam Ehlinger replace Matt Ryan?

The Colts acquired Matt Ryan during the offseason in a trade with Atlanta, but the 37-year-old quarterback has been a frequent liability through the team's first seven games. He has thrown nine touchdown passes and nine interceptions. He has also been sacked 24 times and had 11 fumbles in his first five games. Reich said Ryan suffered a separated shoulder during Sunday's loss to the Titans but that the change would have been made if Ryan were healthy.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis Colts to start Sam Elinger at QB in place of Matt Ryan