AFC Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Texans

Colts

Colts OLB Kemoko Turay expects to be fully recovered from ankle surgery prior to training camp in July.

“That’s the plan,” said Turay, via Jim Ayello of the Indianapolis Star. “Because it’s the posterior tendon, I took my time this time to make sure it healed.”

Colts GM Chris Ballard blames himself for the extent of Turay’s injury after the edge rusher played through the issue last season. 

“I blame myself for not just pausing and saying, ‘OK, let’s make sure we get him healthy,’” Ballard said. “He fought through; he played hurt. But he was never quite right all year.”

Even so, Turay does not feel like the organization rushed him back last season and was comfortable enough to play. 

“I wanted to do whatever it took to help the team,” Turay said. “I didn’t think I was rushed. It was good enough for me to play. We did everything we could to make sure I was safe. … I was able to practice. I was able to monitor and maintain the injury. … Every day I was going to therapy and working on my injury and getting it right.”

Jaguars

Jaguars’ HC Urban Meyer admitted it was a little strange seeing TE Tim Tebow lining up at a position other than quarterback.

“Oh well, I wouldn’t say weird — awkward maybe, the first practice,” Meyer said, via John Reid of Jacksonville.com. ”But it’s 1 of 90, trying to make the team. He has improved, it’s all new for him, but Tyler Bowen is doing a good job with our tight ends as a whole. [James] O’Shaughnessy and [Ben] Ellefson in particular, are — if you watch a video [from] last year and if you watch them practice now, it’s night and day; those guys have really improved. Their positions are trending upward, they’re doing a nice job. It’s one step at a time, we’ll see what happens. He’s (Tebow) one of the 90 trying to make the team.”

Texans

Texans LB Christian Kirksey said that new DC Lovie Smith is bringing a linebacker-friendly system to Houston.

“Coming from Lovie experience with his knowledge of football is definitely something good for me to learn from a guy like him,” Kirksey said, via Texans Wire. “His defense is very linebacker friendly. He puts a lot on his linebackers and he wants a lot of athletic linebackers. I feel like me personally, being in his system, it’s a lot of fun because it allows you to play ball.”

• The Texans named both James Liipfert and Matt Bazirgan assistant directors of player personnel. (Aaron Wilson)