AFC Notes: Broncos, Raiders, Texans

Broncos

Broncos DT Jurrell Casey doesn’t expect any drop off from his play, despite being part of a new defensive. 

“I haven’t had a bad season yet,” said Casey, via Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post. “I don’t plan on having one now… What happened in Tennessee is in the past. I’m ready to get going with the Broncos and go on a run for a championship season.”

Broncos HC Vic Fangio called Casey a “good anchor” in their run defense with the kind of “athletic movement” to create disruption. 

“He’s been a good anchor vs. the run, yet flashes athletic movement when it comes to those types of plays where you need it,” Fangio said. “We were happy to get him. We think he’s still got some more left in him, too, to play at a high level.”

“Just because it’s the Titans across from me, I won’t approach the game any different,” said Casey. “I always have a mantra, ‘You have never played a bad season. You have never played a bad game.’ That’s my whole mindset going into this game.”

• Vangio mentioned that WR Courtland Sutton (shoulder) will need to be able to do at least “10 jumping jacks” in order to play in Monday Night’s Week 1 game: “[I must] do 10 jumping jacks. The most primitive test there is. If can do 10 jumping jacks, he can play.” (Troy Renck)
• Regarding Broncos K Brandon McManus‘ four-year, $17.2 million extension, Fangio called the kicker one of the best in the league: “He’s deserving of it. He’s one of better kickers in the league. … Good kickers are hard to come by,” said Fangio

• Fangio said there is a “possibility” that they’ll promote OLB Derrek Tuszka from their practice squad. (Ryan O’Halloran)
• Broncos DE Bradley Chubb (knee) said he ended August 29’s practice early due to tendinitis. (O’Halloran)
• However, O’Halloran notes that Chubb will play in Monday night’s game. 
• Broncos’ K Brandon McManus opened up about being the first Denver player to receive a second contract extension since CB Champ Bailey: “I can’t thank John Elway enough. Joe Ellis, the Bowlen family. They traded me for me in 2014 after I was cut twice and to twice get an extension it means a lot to me and my family.” (Mike Klis)

Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders announced Friday that they’ve named former FB Marcel Reece their senior advisor to the owner and the president.

Reece issued the following statement regarding his new role:

“Four years ago I wrote a letter addressing Raider Nation and closed it with…. ‘this is not good bye, but see you later’….well later is here! I am honored to take on this new challenge with the Raiders organization and look forward to bringing a different perspective to the table. We have the opportunity for a fresh start in a new city and this is the right time for new creative ways of thinking”, said Reece. “I have seen the commitment by management to evolve the culture and take the club in new directions. I am extremely excited to be a part of that evolution. I am committed to bringing the same passion and excellence off the field that I had on the field in my eight seasons with this organizations.”

Reece will assist in developing some of the team’s programs in the community and report directly to Raiders’ owner Mark Davis and President Marc Badain.

Texans

• Adam Schefter reports that Texans RB Duke Johnson sprained his ankle during Thursday’s game and could be at risk of missing Week 2. 
• The Texans gave TE Dylan Stapleton an injury settlement was worth $235,294 upon releasing him. (Aaron Wilson)