Art Schlichter, the Indianapolis Colts’ starting quarterback...

Art Schlichter, the Indianapolis Colts’ starting quarterback at the beginning of the National Football League season, was waived and Coach Rod Dowhower elevated Matt Kofler to the backup position behind Mike Pagel.

Schlichter, who apparently had won the starting spot in a preseason battle with Pagel, “was shocked and disappointed,” Dowhower said.

Schlichter, who started the final five games last year in his first season back after a year’s suspension for gambling, started the 1985 opener against Pittsburgh. But he injured his knee in the second half of a 45-3 loss and lost the job for good to Pagel.