AFC Notes: Chiefs, Dolphins, Jets

Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs signed team president Mark Donovan to an undisclosed long-term contract extension. 

“I’d like to congratulate Mark and his family on this well-deserved recognition,” said Chiefs executive Clark Hunt, via ProFootballTalk. “Mark is an innovative leader and a talented executive who is widely respected in our industry and in the Kansas City community. I am thrilled that he will continue to be a key part of the leadership of the Chiefs for many years to come.”

• Per ESPN’s Adam Teicher, Chiefs HC Andy Reid said the team would increase QB Patrick Mahomes‘ reps at practice this week to see how his knee responds before determining if he’ll play Sunday against the Titans. 
• Reid added the team would also prepare QB Matt Moore to start if necessary. (Teicher)
• Reid reiterated that the team is taking the long view and will be cautious with Mahomes’ health: “We’re not going to put him out there unless it’s safe.” (Teicher)
• Chiefs LT Eric Fisher returned to practice on Thursday, leaving DE Alex Okafor as the only player out for Kansas City. (BJ Kissel)

Dolphins

Dolphins RB Kalen Ballage said he has “nothing to prove” despite averaging just 2.0 YPC through 35 rushing attempts. 

“I don’t have nothing to prove,” Ballage said, via Hal Habib of the Palm Beach Post. 

Ballage feels that “opportunity’s been slim” to produce this season and hopes to get “in rhythm” going forward. 

“I’ve played all right,” said Ballage. “The opportunity’s been slim, so you can only do so much with that. But moving forward, it’s about getting in there, getting in rhythm and being able to touch the ball more, so I’m excited about that.”

• According to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has 2020 salary escalators based on his playing time this year. 
• Fitzpatrick makes $1 million guaranteed for playing 55 percent of the Dolphins’ snaps this year, $2 million guaranteed for 65 percent and $2.5 million for 75 percent. That’s in addition to his current $5.5 million base salary in 2020, $1.5 million of which is guaranteed. 
• Fitzpatrick has currently played 60 percent of the snaps and would finish above 75 percent if he continues to start for Miami. 
• Fitzpatrick has another $1.5 million incentive if Miami finishes at least 27th in the league in touchdowns scored,  completion percentage as a team or sacks allowed.
• Dolphins HC Brian Flores said Miami was impressed with recently-claimed WR Gary Jennings when it hosted him for a top-30 draft visit: “Has some speed, size, athleticism, young guy we wanted to work with.” (Jackson)

Jets

• Per Brian Costello of the New York Post, Jets CB Darryl Roberts picked up a calf strain in practice and is unlikely to play this week. 
• Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline says Jets owner Woody Johnson is expected to return and take back day-to-day control of the team following the 2020 election regardless of the results. 
• Johnson ceded control to his son, CEO Christopher Johnson, when he was appointed an ambassador to the United Kingdom by President Donald Trump in 2017. 
• Jets S Jamal Adams said he sat down with GM Joe Douglas and HC Adam Gase and both sides apologized for how they handled the situation at the trade deadline: “Both sides wish they went about things differently.” (Andy Vaquez)
• Adams added he wants to stay with the Jets long-term and bring a Super Bowl back to the organization.