Jan 1, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Nick Foles (9) warms up before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Colts release veteran QB Nick Foles

The Indianapolis Colts, after selecting Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick of last week’s NFL draft, released veteran quarterback Nick Foles on Friday.

Foles, 34, signed a two-year contract with the Colts as a free agent on May 23, 2022. He appeared in three games — starting two — and was 25-of-42 for 224 yards, no touchdowns and four interceptions.

Indianapolis (4-12-1) struggled with the quarterback position last season, between Matt Ryan, Sam Ehlinger and Foles, who was injured in Week 18.

The current roster has veterans Ehlinger and Gardner Minshew, with the Colts grabbing Richardson out of Florida as the heir apparent to the position.

Foles has played since 2012 for the Philadelphia Eagles (2012-14, 2017-18), St. Louis Rams (2015), Kansas City Chiefs (2016), Jacksonville Jaguars (2019), Chicago Bears (2020-21) and Colts (2022).

He was a Pro Bowl selection in his first stint in Philadelphia (2013) and the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player during his second stint (2017).

Foles has started 58 of 71 career games, completing 1,302 of 2,087 passes for 14,227 yards, 82 touchdowns and 47 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Jan 1, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA;  Indianapolis Colts quarterback Nick Foles (9) throws the ball during the first quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Colts QB Nick Foles exits game with rib injury

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Nick Foles left late in the first half Sunday against the host New York Giants with a rib injury and was ruled out for the game.

Foles was sacked on third down by Giants rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux with 50 seconds left in the second quarter. Thibodeaux landed on top of Foles, who left the field under his own power while holding his ribs before being driven to the locker room on a cart.

As Foles was writhing in pain, Thibodeaux was on the ground next to him doing “snow angels” to celebrate his sack.

The Colts, trailing 21-3 at the time, punted on the following play. Backup Sam Ehlinger replaced Foles on the team’s next possession.

Foles was named Indianapolis’ starter before last week’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers, replacing Matt Ryan. Foles threw three interceptions in a 20-3 loss to the Chargers but interim coach Jeff Saturday said the team would stick with him the rest of the season. Ryan was inactive Sunday.

Foles had completed eight of 13 passes for 81 yards and ran once for 8 yards before leaving. On the drive before his injury, Foles was intercepted by Landon Collins, who took it 52 yards for a touchdown.

Ehlinger was briefly named the starting quarterback for two games earlier this season. He went 32-for-52 for 304 yards, no touchdowns, one interception and one lost fumble in losses to the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots.

–Field Level Media

Dec 26, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Nick Foles (9) runs the ball in the second half against theLos Angeles Chargers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Colts to stick with Nick Foles at QB against Giants

Nick Foles will start at quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts against the New York Giants in Week 17, despite a less-than-stellar performance Monday night in a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, interim head coach Jeff Saturday told reporters.

Foles made his first start of the season Monday and was 17-of-29 passing for 143 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions. The former Super Bowl MVP also was sacked seven times for 39 yards.

While the Colts (4-10-1) are playing out the final two games of an unexpectedly miserable season, Sunday’s game is meaningful for the Giants (8-6-1). New York will clinch its first playoff berth since 2016 if they beat the Colts. The Giants have seven total scenarios under which they will qualify.

On the season, the Colts’ trio of quarterbacks — Foles, Matt Ryan and Sam Ehlinger — have thrown a combined 14 touchdown passes and 17 interceptions. Their QB rating is fifth-lowest in the league at 79.6.

The Colts close the season Jan. 8 against the Houston Texans.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Nick Foles (9) hands off to Indianapolis Colts running back Phillip Lindsay (30), Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, during the Colts final preseason game, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis.

Nfl Tampa Bay Buccaneers At Indianapolis Colts

Colts bench Matt Ryan again, turn to Nick Foles at QB

The Indianapolis Colts are benching starter Matt Ryan and will turn to former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles on Monday night at home against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Interim head coach Jeff Saturday announced his decision on Wednesday. The move comes after the Colts squandered a 33-0 halftime lead in Week 15 and lost in overtime to the Minnesota Vikings.

While he isn’t putting the offensive woes of the Colts (4-9-1) only on Ryan, Saturday said a change is warranted.

“I feel like Nick will give us a better chance to win these last three games,” Saturday said.

Still, he said the Colts starting quarterback will be decided week-by-week as Indianapolis closes the season against the Chargers, at the New York Giants on Jan. 1 and at home against the Houston Texans on Jan. 8.

Saturday said the coaching staff had yet to choose between Ryan or Sam Ehlinger as the backup to Foles.

Foles, 33, has appeared in just one game this season, taking two snaps. He hasn’t attempted a pass.

Subbing for an injured Carson Wentz, Foles led the Philadelphia Eagles to a 41-33 win over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII and was named the game’s most valuable player.

The Colts are Foles’ sixth team since the Eagles selected him in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He is 29-27 as a starter and has 14,003 passing yards with 82 touchdowns and 43 interceptions. He signed with the Colts as a free agent in the offseason.

Indianapolis acquired Ryan in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons in the offseason, hoping he’d lead what was perceived as a playoff-ready team deep into the postseason. Instead, he’s being benched for the second time this season.

Former coach Frank Reich announced on Oct. 24 that Ehlinger would start the rest of the season, but that didn’t last long. Reich was fired Nov. 7, and Saturday put Ryan back in the starting lineup.

In the epic 39-36 loss to the Vikings, Ryan threw for 117 yards in the first half but only 55 in the second half and overtime.

The No. 3 overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2008 draft, Ryan is 4-7-1 as a starter this season. He has completed 67.0 percent of his passes this season for 3,057 yards with 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Now 37, Ryan was the league MVP in 2016 with the Falcons. He is in the fourth year of a five-year, $150 million deal he signed with Atlanta and is being paid $24.7 million, per Spotrac.

–Field Level Media

Dec 29, 2019; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Nick Foles (7) talks with Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich after the game at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Colts add QB Nick Foles on 2-year deal

The Indianapolis Colts are adding quarterback Nick Foles with a two-year contract, NFL Network reported Monday.

The move reunites Foles with Colts head coach Frank Reich, Foles’ offensive coordinator while both were in Philadelphia.

Foles will back up new Colts starter Matt Ryan.

The Bears released Foles earlier this month after failing to find a trade partner.

Foles, 33, appeared in 10 games (eight starts) in two seasons in Chicago, completing 65.1 percent of his passes for 2,102 yards with 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions and a 3-5 record. Last season, he was the third-string quarterback behind veteran Andy Dalton and rookie Justin Fields.

The Bears acquired Foles in a trade with Jacksonville two seasons ago.

Foles has thrown for 14,003 yards and 82 touchdowns in 68 games (56 starts) with five teams, most notably the Philadelphia Eagles (2012-14, 2017-18). Foles led the Eagles to a victory in Super Bowl LII.

–Field Level Media

Dec 26, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Nick Foles (9) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Bears agree to release QB Nick Foles

The Chicago Bears agreed to release quarterback Nick Foles on Saturday after failing to find a trade partner for the former Super Bowl MVP.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles said in March the team was looking to trade Foles after adding Trevor Siemian in free agency. The move allows Foles to find a new team on his own.

“Ryan Poles did the classy thing and Nick appreciates it,” Foles’ agent Justin Schulman told NFL Network on Saturday.

The Bears acquired Foles in a trade with Jacksonville two seasons ago. The 33-year-old appeared in 10 games (eight starts) for the Bears.

Foles has thrown for 14,003 yards and 82 touchdowns in 68 games (56 starts) with five teams, most notably the Philadelphia Eagles (2012-14, 2017-18). Foles led the Eagles to a victory in Super Bowl LII.

–Field Level Media

Dec 5, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Andy Dalton (14) passes the football in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports

Bears to start Andy Dalton over Nick Foles in home finale

The Chicago Bears named quarterback Andy Dalton to start in the team’s home finale Sunday against the New York Giants.

Dalton will take over from Nick Foles, who guided the Bears to a 25-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks last week to end a three-game losing streak. Foles had taken over for rookie QB Justin Fields, who was out with an ankle injury.

Dalton started the first two games of the season for the Bears, until he was replaced by Fields. Dalton also started in Weeks 12 and 13. Chicago is 2-2 in Dalton starts this season.

Dalton, 34, has passed for 1,017 yards this season with six touchdowns and six interceptions. He was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Dec. 23 but did not play last Sunday.

Foles threw for 250 yards with a TD and no interceptions against the Seahawks, making his first appearance this season after starting seven of the nine games he played for the Bears last season.

–Field Level Media

Aug 21, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Nick Foles (9) walks off the field after the game against the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

Bears QB Nick Foles to start Sunday vs. Seahawks

Chicago Bears quarterback Nick Foles will start Sunday at Seattle, head coach Matt Nagy confirmed Friday.

Justin Fields is dealing with an ankle injury and Nagy said it will be a game-time decision whether the rookie will be Foles’ backup when the Bears (4-10) face the Seahawks (5-9).

Andy Dalton was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday but has been ruled out for Week 16 with injuries to his left hand and groin.

Fields, who missed Weeks 12-13 with cracked ribs, injured his ankle in the second quarter of Monday night’s 17-9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He stayed in the game, passing for 285 yards and one touchdown.

Foles, 32, will be making his 2021 season debut. He went 2-5 as a starter for Chicago last season, completing 64.7 percent of his passes for 1,852 yards with 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

The Super Bowl LII MVP with Philadelphia, Foles owns a 28-27 career record with 13,753 passing yards, 81 TDs and 43 picks in 67 games (55 starts) with the Eagles, St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars and Bears.

–Field Level Media

Jul 29, 2021; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Nick Foles (9) catches the ball during a Chicago Bears training camp session at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

Bears’ Matt Nagy: Teams will have interest in Nick Foles

Not many Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks are third-stringers on NFL rosters. But that’s where QB Nick Foles happens to be on the Chicago Bears’ depth chart.

However, the 10-year veteran might not stay there for long, considering how much teams always seem to need a quarterback. One of those teams might be the Indianapolis Colts, whose starter — Carson Wentz — is out indefinitely after suffering a foot injury on Thursday at practice.

Bears coach Matt Nagy is someone who appreciates Foles’ value and wouldn’t be surprised if the Colts — or any other team — come calling for Foles.

“… You’re talking about a Super Bowl MVP and a guy that’s started a lot of games,” Nagy told reporters before practice on Saturday. “He’s had a really interesting career in so many ways that I just think that he deserves that.”

Nagy added that he and Foles have not talked about a potential trade since training camp started.

“I don’t talk to him about that; he doesn’t talk to me about it,” Nagy said. “We just don’t go there because, again, that’s out of our control. He’s worrying about doing everything he can to just be great for us, and that’s what I like about our relationship. He’s happy with where he’s at here and he’s in a good place.”

That place is currently behind starter Andy Dalton and first-round pick Justin Fields. In nine games — seven starts — for the Bears last season, Foles passed for 1,852 yards, 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions while splitting snaps with Mitchell Trubisky, who signed with the Buffalo Bills in the offseason.

The MVP of Super Bowl LII, Foles has played for five NFL teams, including two stints with the Philadelphia Eagles. He has played 67 regular-season games and has gone 28-27 in 55 starts.

Foles, 32, also appears to be reasonably affordable. His salary-cap charge for 2021 is $6.7 million.

Nagy values Foles’ experience and ability but knows snaps might be hard to find. The coach also respects Foles for how he has dealt with a challenging first week of training camp.

“I would say probably 95% of people in Nick’s situation would handle it completely opposite of the way he’s handled it, from the time that I brought him in and told him that he was going be the third-string quarterback,” Nagy said. “And I have to give so much credit to him because he accepted it. He understood it.”

The Colts signed veteran QB Brett Hundley on Saturday. But it remains to be seen if Foles will still be with the Bears before the 2021 NFL season kicks off.

–Field Level Media