Why is Matt Ryan not playing tonight for Colts vs. Chargers on MNF?

The Indianapolis Colts are playing against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football, and Matt Ryan isn't under center for the home side. Former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles is playing quarterback for the Colts, leaving fans wondering why Ryan, the team's starting quarterback since interim head coach Jeff Saturday took over, isn't on the field.

After last week's disastrous outing against the Minnesota Vikings, where the Colts blew a 33-0 halftime lead and let Kirk Cousins and co. set a new record for the biggest comeback in NFL history, the team decided to bench Matt Ryan.

Zak Keefer

@zkeefer

Probably won't see Matt Ryan play the rest of the year. He's gone from unquestioned QB1 to benched, back to starter, and now to 3rd on depth chart and inactive.

If Colts release him after the year, he counts $18m against the cap in 2023.

If he stays = $35m against the cap.

1114

125

Probably won't see Matt Ryan play the rest of the year. He's gone from unquestioned QB1 to benched, back to starter, and now to 3rd on depth chart and inactive.

If Colts release him after the year, he counts $18m against the cap in 2023.

If he stays = $35m against the cap.

Not only have the Colts benched Ryan and named Foles as their starting quarterback, but they also relegated the former Atlanta Falcons star to third-string behind Sam Ehlinger, who started the final two games under former head coach Frank Reich before he was fired after the team's 26-3 loss to the New England Patriots on November 6.

​