AFC Notes: Browns, Colts, Steelers

Browns

• According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, the Browns feel comfortable with Drew Stanton as the No. 2 quarterback. 
• Cabot says the Browns could probably get a fifth-round pick for RB Duke Johnson, but the team would prefer to get more in return in a trade. 
• If the Browns do end up trading Johnson, Cabot mentions that they have confidence RB Dontrell Hilliard can replace his role as a receiving back. 

Colts

Colts S Malik Hooker says he’s happy for the opportunity to focus this offseason on improving as a player rather than recovering from injury.

“For me to finally be able to have a whole offseason to work my body, it’s been great,” Hooker said via Joel Erickson of the Indianapolis Star.

Hooker has spent much of his career dealing with injuries. A torn ACL and MCL ended his rookie season and he dealt with hip and foot injuries that cost him two regular season games and a playoff game.

“The season, you’re not dealing with bad injuries, but you’re dealing with nagging injuries that stay around all season,” Hooker said. “When it’s the season, there’s no chance to just focus on one thing, because the next week, you’ll have a different soreness you have to take care of.” 

Steelers

Steelers LB Bud Dupree says his focus this season is finishing pressures into sacks. 

“I had a big opportunity last year to be in the conversation and I didn’t close the plays,” Dupree said via Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I’m always in position. The plays are always there; it’s on me to finish those plays and easily have double-digit sacks. I’m trying to go out and reboot and finish those plays this season.”