Colts benched Hugh Thornton for disciplinary reasons

I’m not sure if you noticed, but Indianapolis Colts starting left guard Hugh Thornton didn’t start or play at all during Monday night’s win over the New York Giants.  Instead veteran Lance Louis got the start.

Colts head coach Chuck Pagano stated that Thornton was benched for disciplinary reasons, but wouldn’t get into what exactly he did wrong.

“We wouldn’t speak about it outside our facility,” Pagano said, per the Indy Star.

Pagano also wouldn’t answer whether Thorton would be benched beyond Monday’s game.

“Time will tell,” said Pagano.

Thornton was a third round pick back in 2013 and has been a starter ever since.  He’s a solid player that’s been a liability at times in pass protection, while being more of an asset as a run blocker.

I wouldn’t expect the Colts to hand Thornton’s job to Louis for good.  The Colts can’t afford to have him start each and every week.  They were able to get away with it on Monday night because the Giants’ pass rush isn’t very good.  Which is why New York blitzed a lot in the first half and were able to get quite a few hits on quarterback Andrew Luck.

The Colts will be able to sort things out during this week’s bye as they get ready to take on the New England Patriots on November 16th.