AFC Notes: Chargers, Patriots, Texans, Titans

Chargers

• Ian Rapoport reports that Chargers RB Melvin Gordon is dealing with an ankle sprain, but he’s optimistic about playing on Sunday, given that the swelling is minimal.

Patriots

• James Harrison‘s agent, Bill Parise, tells Josina Anderson that Bill Belichick’s reputation amongst players and the organization’s winning pedigree both factored into his client’s decision to sign with New England Tuesday.
• Parise did, however, confirm that Harrison had interest from other teams before agreeing to a one-year contract with the Patriots.

Texans

• Aaron Wilson reports that Texans C Nick Martin successfully underwent ankle surgery and is expected to make a full recovery by the start of the 2018 season.
• Texans HC Bill O’Brien said that the team is discussing signing another quarterback since QB Taylor Heinicke is dealing with a concussion. (Aaron Wilson)
• Regarding his expiring contract past the 2018 season, O’Brien said he is willing to coach under the remaining year in his deal: “Sure, yeah. Yeah, sure. I’ll coach this team as long as they want me to coach this team I’ll coach this team. It hasn’t been a great year. We know that. We know it’s a business.” (Aaron Wilson)
• O’Brien said he is pleased with the progress from fourth-round DE Carlos Watkins this season: “I like Carlos, I think he’s really improved. I think early in the year, I think he struggled, just like most rookie defensive linemen do. Everybody’s bigger, stronger, the game’s a lot faster, there’s more double-team-type plays. In pro football, guys are getting in the three-point stance, grown men, and coming off the ball, and I think that’s different than college.” (Aaron Wilson)

Titans

• Titans HC Mike Mularkey said he is “hopeful” that CB Logan Ryan (ankle) will be able to practice by the end of the week and be able to play in Week 17. (Terry McCormick)
• Mularkey said that Titans RB DeMarco Murray‘s (knee) status for Week 17 is a “pain tolerance” issue.
• Mularkey added that he is not ruling out Murray from Sunday and is currently “day to day”. The team hopes that Murray could have a limited role in Week 17. (Cameron Wolfe)
• Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that Murray is dealing with a grade three MCL tear and believes he can play through the injury. (NFLTR)