ASHBURN, Va., Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Veteran Shane Matthews, who began the season as the starting quarterback of the Washington Redskins, but was injured then benched, will again be the starter when the 'Skins entartain the Indianapolis Colts Sunday night.
He replaces rookie Patrick Ramsey, who started the last two games.
"Shane will be our starting quarterback," said Coach Steve Spurrier. "We obviously haven't done a good job at getting Patrick ready to play. We feel Shane gives our team the best chance to win. We still believe Patrick is going to be an outstanding quarterback in the future."
Ramsey made his NFL debut in relief of Danny Wuerffel against the Tennessee Titans in Week 5, and led the Redskins to a convincing but shocking 31-14 win, throwing for two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Ramsey then started the team's last two games, both losses. Against the New Orleans Saints in Week 6, he was sacked seven times and threw four interceptions in a 43-27 loss. This past Sunday at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Ramsey lost four fumbles and Washington fell to Green Bay 30-9.
"I played terrible and I just have to get over that and move on," said Ramsey. "Coach Spurrier calls the shots around here, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help this team win. I didn't play well the past couple of games, but you just have to roll with the punches sometimes."
Spurrier said Matthew's experience and his improved health were the reasons that he will start against the Colts, who were beaten, 28-10, at Pittsburgh Monday night. Matthews started Washington's first three games in 2002, but was replaced after suffering a shoulder injury against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3.
He had been named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after a 327-yard, three touchdown pass effort in a 31-23 season-opening win over Arizona.
Spurrier said Ramsey will go back to being the team's backup quarterback.
