AFC Notes: Bengals, Browns, Ravens, Steelers

Bengals

Bew Bengals DL Christian Covington discussed the opportunities ahead of him following the trade from the Broncos. 

At end of the day, God’s good. I took it as a surprise. I felt like I was having a great camp. But I understand this is our game, this is business we’re part of. I’m grateful for the opportunity Broncos gave me,” Covington said via KUSA’s Mike Klis. “They brought me in to show what I can do. It just so happens my journey takes me to Cincinnati. I’m grateful, I’m blessed, I’m thankful to God. I’m just happy I get to continue my career. The only thing that was mentioned (about the trade) was the numbers game. Very appreciative of coach Fangio, Mr. Elway, the Broncos organization for everything they’ve done for me. I wish I could’ve been here but at the same time I’m ready to move on.” 

• Bengals HC Zac Taylor said the team doesn’t plan to use its position at the top of the waiver order to claim former Dolphins QB Josh Rosen. (Geoff Hobson)

Browns

Browns’ rookie LB Jacob Phillips is ready to make a big impact following the loss of LB Mack Wilson, who could miss up to six weeks with a knee injury.

“Yeah, I definitely feel like I’m ready,” Phillips said, via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “I got a whole lot of confidence from this training camp. The players we have on offense and being able to compete against them every day is giving me a whole lot of confidence that I can do it against every other team in the league because I know how special our team is here for the Browns. I’m definitely ready, and actually, I can’t wait for it. I feel like being in this defense just lets me showcase and have more opportunities to be more of a well-rounded player. We do a lot in this defense. We get to cover, we get to blitz, we get to run, block, and a whole lot of things. I’m enjoying it. It’s a fun, fast defense. I can’t wait to play.”

• The Browns hosted DT Ricky Walker for a visit on Saturday. (Aaron Wilson)

Ravens

The Ravens have spent some serious draft resources the past two seasons in upgrading their receiving corps, including spending a third-round pick this year on WR Devin Duvernay. Given how much the team runs the ball, the passing game pie for Baltimore is smaller than elsewhere. However, Duvernay has been impressive in camp and could be carving out a piece for himself. 

“I feel like that’s being determined as we speak. He’s earning more and more every day,” Ravens HC John Harbaugh said via SI.com’s Todd Karpovich. “He’s done a really good job. He’s a hard worker. He doesn’t say a lot, but he works a lot. I just love the way he works. He’s done a great job with the route-running catching hands. He’s been especially good downfield tracking balls, in terms of the deep ball. I think he’s going to have a role. We’ll see exactly how it plays out.”

Steelers

Steelers President Art Rooney II says that if there are contract extensions for GM Kevin Colbert or HC Mike Tomlin, they will likely come once the current season has ended.

“We’ll address that after the season,’’ Rooney told Ed Bouchette of The Athletic. “I think we’re comfortable where we are. Both Kevin and Mike have done a great job for us, and I would hope they continue on. Now, our focus is really on playing this season and hopefully having a successful season.”

Bouchette notes that while the Steelers have not had a losing record since 2003, they last won the AFC in 2010.

“Yeah, obviously we’re anxious; we’re anxious to get back,” Rooney said. “I know we have some players on this team who are older players. Obviously Ben (Roethlisberger) would love to get back there, and I think there’s a lot of people on this team who are pretty hungry at this point.”

• The Steelers hosted P Dustin Colquitt and LS Christian Kuntz for workouts on Saturday. (Aaron Wilson)