Stephen Holder

stephen.holder@indystar.com

Patriots at Colts%2C 8%3A30 p.m.%2C Nov. 16

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Tears streamed down Reggie Wayne's face as the national anthem blared over the MetLife Stadium speakers.

Whether the emotions had anything to do with his return to the lineup after a week off because of an elbow injury or whether Wayne was just struck by the beautiful rendition wasn't immediately clear.

But one thing was indisputable: Wayne was ready for action after missing last week's blowout in Pittsburgh.

He wasted no time in making his presence felt, grabbing an 11-yard pass from Andrew Luck on the Colts' second possession with 5:08 remaining in the first quarter that was much more than a mere first down.

With that reception, Wayne reached 14,011 yards, moving into eighth place on the all-time receiving list, surpassing James Lofton.

The next player on the list, and now in Wayne's sights? Former Colts wideout Marvin Harrison. He has 14,580 yards. It'll take some doing to get there, but the mark is certainly within reach for Wayne.

Wayne added another highlight on his milestone night, catching a 40-yard touchdown from Luck. Wayne snatched the ball after it went right over the fingertips of Jayron Hosley, then turned up the field, unimpeded, for his second touchdown of the season. It was Wayne's longest reception of the year.

Line shuffle

The Colts made a change along their offensive line Monday, playing Lance Louis at guard over their usual starter, 2013 third-round pick Hugh Thornton.

Thornton has been a regular since his rookie season, when he started 12 of the 14 games in which he appeared. This season, Thornton had started the six previous games in which he played.

No reason was given beyond the move being termed a coaching decision, but early indications were that the move was disciplinary.

Thornton was not known to have suffered any injury last week and practiced all week in preparation for the Giants. Louis had started in relief of Jack Mewhort and Thornton who were injured in previous weeks.

But Monday's change was very much a surprise.

Other changes

With Erik Walden out with a hip injury, the Colts turned to veteran Andy Studebaker as their starter at strong-side outside linebacker. But the team used a rotation of sorts at the position, generally inserting rookie Jonathan Newsome in passing situations while using a nickel defense.

Newsome made quite the statement with his expanded playing time. He beat left tackle Will Beatty on a third-and-4 in the third quarter, closed fast on quarterback Eli Manning and stripped the ball on Manning's windup. The ball bounced right into the hands of safety Sergio Brown, who returned it 26 yards to the Giants 4-yard line. The Colts scored two plays later.

Picking right up

Cornerback Vontae Davis had a splendid game, shutting down rookie receiver Odell Beckham Jr. whenever Beckham lined up on Davis' side of the field. Davis had a knee injury and missed most of last week's game at Pittsburgh. His return had an obvious impact on the defense, the Colts getting back to letting Davis lock down the right side, which he did without missing a beat.

Injury report

Inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson left the game in the third quarter with an unspecified injury. ... Defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois was sidelined briefly with a finger injury but returned.

Follow Star reporter Stephen Holder on Twitter: @HolderStephen.