AFC Notes: Broncos, Chiefs, Colts, Texans

Broncos

• The Denver Broncos officially ruled G Ron Leary (back) and QB Paxton Lynch (ankle) for Sunday’s game against the Jets.
• Denver has DT Domata Peko (knee), DE Adam Gotsis (illness) and WR Emmanuel Sanders (ankle) is questionable.
• The Broncos will start Connor McGovern in place of Leary at right guard again this weekend.

Chiefs

• Chiefs HC Andy Reid announced that OC Matt Nagy will call plays again for them this week. (BJ Kissel)
• The Kansas City Chiefs have officially ruled out C Mitch Morse and CB Eric Murray for Sunday’s game against the Raiders.

Colts

• The Indianapolis Colts officially ruled out CB Rashaan Melvin, TE Darrell Daniels, and WR Donte Moncrief for Week 14’s game.
• Colts C Ryan Kelly did not pass the final hurdle of the NFL’s concussion protocol and he too has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Rams. (Kevin Bowen)

Texans

Texans DE J.J. Watt explained that his recovery from a broken leg has been a lot easier for him than returning from back surgery last year.

“I think one of the biggest things that’s a little bit easier about this year is with the back injury, nobody can see it,” Watt said, via Sarah Barshop of ESPN. “You’re walking around, you look normal. Everything seems normal. When you’re on crutches … people can understand a broken leg a lot easier than they can understand a broken back.

“Last year I felt so guilty, because I could walk, I could move, but I couldn’t play. This year, I mean, my leg’s broken. What am I going to do? For me it’s easier mentally.”

Watt added that it’s obviously difficult to once again be watching the team from the sidelines.

“It sucks,” Watt said. “I’m not going to lie to you. I want to be out there with the guys. I hate not being out on the field, I hate not being at practice. But I also understand, it’s just part of the game. And all I can do in the rehab room [is] to get ready for next year.”

• Texans HC Bill O’Brien told reporters that Watt’s recovery has been remarkable: “Where he is now is remarkable. I don’t think anything about J.J. surprises us. He’s on his way back to where he wants to be.” (Aaron Wilson)