AFC Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Texans

Colts

For at least 2020, Colts second-round RB Jonathan Taylor will be splitting carries with incumbent starting RB Marlon Mack, who’s in the final year of his deal. Indianapolis also has big plans for RB Nyheim Hines in a third-down role, making it three backs total who will split touches in the backfield this season. Taylor’s used to being the lead back from his time at Wisconsin but he’s taking a good approach to sharing time as a rookie. 

“You don’t count the reps; you make the reps count,” Taylor said via Jim Ayello of the Indianapolis Star. “Whenever you’re in, you’re on — make sure you are 100 percent. Think about it, you are a professional now. When people are at their jobs — I know my mother is at her job and she likes to do everything correctly to a ‘T’ as perfect as possible. I’m taking the same approach here. I mean whenever my number is called I’m making sure I’m on at all times because it’s my job now.”

Jaguars

• Former NFL GM and analyst for the Athletic Michael Lombardi writes the most obvious question for the Jaguars in 2020 is if 2019 sixth-round QB Gardner Minshew is a legitimate starting quarterback in the NFL. 

Texans

Texans S Justin Reid has only missed one game in his two-year NFL career, but the young safety has seldom been healthy. He played through a wrist injury as a rookie and battled a torn labrum and concussion in 2019. But finally, heading into his third season, Reid says he’s back to full strength. 

“Really good, I feel healthy for the first time in forever,” Reid said via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “I’m truly excited to be where I’m at physically right now. It’s a big thing for me.”

Injuries haven’t stopped Reid from being a productive starter since Houston drafted him out of Stanford in 2018. He’s topped 78 tackles both seasons, picked off five passes and knocked down 15 others in addition to a forced fumble and three recoveries. He’s looking to take an even bigger step in his third season. 

“I’m going to be consistent,” Reid said. “Everybody gets hurt, and I’ve had a little bit of a rough go with some injuries the last few years. The point of also being a great player is when you can play and still make an impact. If I didn’t think I could make an impact and be a guy who could make plays, I wouldn’t be on the field. I was always confident I could take care of my job and complete my responsibilities. Especially now, I’m extremely confident I can not only do that, but be able take it to the next level and be the player that offenses fear.”