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We knew there was only slim picking at guard, but the Falcons really had to sign anybody just to get through camp. They succeeded.
Source tells @sn_nfl that @AtlantaFalcons are signing former @colts G Hugh Thornton to 1-year contract
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) March 21, 2017
Who is Hugh Thornton, you ask? A former third-round selection of the Indianapolis Colts with a pretty rough career. Soon to be 26, Thornton has been injured more often than not. He finished 2015 on injured reserve, and, well, ended up on injured reserve again before 2016 ever started.
How unexpected was this signing? We posted the few remaining offensive linemen available this morning, and Thornton wasn’t on the list.
Thornton struggled when healthy, and was reportedly on the roster bubble before even going down with an ankle injury. There may be some upside if he is finally healthy, and I’ve learned to not ignore any offensive linemen under coach Chris Morgan.
Thornton appeared in 37 games as a pro, and started in 32. He may be battling Wes Schweitzer, and perhaps another draft pick, as either the starting right guard or the swing interior spot. His roster chances would be pretty slim if former starter Chris Chester decides he wants to play for another year.