AFC Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Texans, Titans

Colts

• Per the Athletic’s Stephen Holder, Colts HC Frank Reich said CB Kenny Moore is still dealing with a rib injury: “Not anticipating Kenny to practice today. And then we’re just going to have to take it day by day after that bc of the nature of rib injuries.”

Jaguars

• Jaguars DT Doug Costin cleared the concussion protocol and C Brandon Linder also returned to practice. (John Reid)
• The Jaguars are bringing in RB Craig Reynolds for a visit this week. (Aaron Wilson)

Texans

• Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller writes that multiple agents have told him the Texans GM vacancy isn’t seen as one of the top jobs available. Because most general manager candidates just get one shot and being rehired is rare, candidates are more selective about the jobs they take. While the Texans have QB Deshaun Watson, there are concerns about ownership, front office dynamics and lack of picks and cap space. 
• Per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Texans HC Romeo Crennel is excited to get back OLB Jacob Martin in the pass-rushing rotation: “I think that really helps us. It helps our numbers there. We know in sub situations he is a pass rusher who has to be dealt with. I think his role will continue to be what it’s been and more pass-rushing opportunities.”
• Asked about potentially staying on as the head coach after this season ends, Crennel responded: “At the end of the season, we will sit down and talk and make decisions about what the future holds.” (Wilson)
• Texans team president Jamey Rootes assured season ticket holders that interim GM Jack Easterby would not take over full time: “Jack Easterby will not be the general manager of the Houston Texans.” (Matt Young)

Titans

Titans RB Derrick Henry has noticeably ceded a share of the rotation to other players for Tennessee the past few weeks. After opening the season averaging nearly 25 carries per game in the first five weeks, that number has dropped under 20 carries per game in the past four games. 

“Yeah, I mean that’s been by design,” Titans QB Ryan Tannehill said via Terry McCormick of titaninsider.com. “He started off the season on a really high rate of carries per game and something that’s probably going to be unsustainable not only as you get deep into this year or into his career. Wanted to take something off his plate there and give our other guys some opportunities to make plays. Derrick’s going to continue to be a huge part of our offense and the workhorse that he is. But it’s been by design to keep his carries to a manageable level, a level to where he can still go out and make some huge plays for us and get into a rhythm but where he’s not getting 40 carries a game and stacking up an insurmountable amount of reps. So really just trying to be smart and diligent with that. We know that Derrick’s going to go out there and do a good job anytime he’s in there.”

• The Titans waived P Ryan Allen instead of Trevor Daniel this week, cutting loose the punter most people didn’t expect after Daniel had an awful kick Thursday plus another blocked that was the turning point in the loss. However, HC Mike Vrabel said the Titans aren’t giving up on either: “We’ll see if [Allen’s] available to return to practice squad. We believe in punter Trevor Daniel and won’t judge him by one punt.” (Jim Wyatt)