AFC Notes: Browns, Texans, Titans

Browns

• Browns HC Hue Jackson confirmed Friday that QB Tyrod Taylor has a dislocated pinkie and a bruised left hand, but he will be fine. (Scott Petrak)
• As for first-round CB Denzel Ward, Jackson says he was dealing with back spasms last night and they don’t expect him to miss much time if any. (Scott Petrak)
• Jackson mentioned that WR Josh Gordon will enter the next step of the return process and will be involved in team walkthroughs among other things. (Scott Petrak)
• According to Jackson, LB Genard Avery is dealing with a hip injury and will miss “some time.” However, he’s not ready to rule Avery out for the season opener. (Scott Petrak)

Texans

Texans P Shane Lechler admits he’s in a “tough battle” with rookie P Trevor Daniel this summer.

“This is a tough battle for me, definitely the hardest one I’ve had,” Lechler said, via John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. “Trevor’s doing a heck of a job. He’s very talented. He’s made me kind of step up my game a little, making me get better at some stuff I don’t usually fine-tune until this time [of preseason].”

Titans

• Paul Kuharsky reports that Titans WR Rishard Matthews underwent surgery for a torn meniscus. According to Kuharsky, Matthews could be activated from the PUP list at some point next week.
• Meanwhile, Titans OLB Derrick Morgan is recovering from surgery to repair a similar injury. Morgan is expected to miss 4-5 weeks, which means he will likely miss a portion of the season.