AFC Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Texans, Titans

Colts

Colts’ rookie RB Jonathan Taylor is just 84 yards away from rushing for 1,000 yards this year and will be the first running back to do so for the franchise since RB Joseph Addai in 2006. Colts’ HC Frank Reich says that Taylor is currently in “beast mode”.

“I can’t explain it,” Reich said, via George Bremer of HeraldBulletin.com. “All I know is he is in beast mode right now. The guy is in beast mode, and he is creating on his own. He’s seeing things. He’s powerful. He’s elusive. He’s getting the tough yards. The way he’s been playing the last couple of weeks, I’d put him up against anybody.”

Taylor himself commented on the potential of reaching such an impressive milestone during his first year in the NFL.

“That would be huge, especially in your rookie year, especially in a year like this,” Taylor said. “That would be something really special.”

• The Indianapolis Colts announced that WR Michael Pittman Jr. has cleared the league’s concussion protocol and is no longer questionable for Week 17. 

Jaguars

• Albert Breer of SI says that if Urban Meyer decides not to become the head coach of the Jaguars, it could be Bills’ OC Brian Daboll. This would come despite the fact that Breer has previously linked Daboll as a possible replacement for Anthony Lynn with the Chargers. Breer also mentions that Daboll has a relationship with Tony Khan, the son of owner Shad Khan.
• Jaguars promoted WR Terry Godwin to their active roster.
• Jaguars activated P Logan Cooke from the COVID-19 list. (NFLTR)
• Jaguars promoted OL Tre’vour Wallace-Simms to their active roster.
• Jaguars placed WR Collin Johnson on injured reserve.

Texans

Texans WR Brandin Cooks, who was acquired by Houston from the Rams, said he has not considered the possibility of being traded again. 

“I don’t think about that. I understand that we’re in a unique situation. I’m not going to accept any more trades,” said Cooks, via Wilson.

Cooks said he will not accept “any more trades” going forward in his career. 

“I’m not going to accept any more trades. If you don’t want me, you’re going to have to let me walk,” said Cooks, via Wilson.

Cooks is eager to continue building with Deshaun Watson, while he would not elaborate on the Texans’ contract option for him this offseason. 

“I would love to continue to grow with Deshaun (Watson),” said Cooks, via Wilson.

• According to Wilson, the Texans have not currently launched contract discussions with WR Brandin Cooks, but negotiations are expected to take place after Houston hires its new head coach and general manager.

• Texans’ OL Brent Qvale is out with a concussion, giving OL Max Scharping the chance to start at left guard. (Aaron Wilson)
• Texans’ LT Laremy Tunsil will also miss the game with an ankle injury, putting T Roderick Johnson in position to start at left tackle and rookie T Charlie Heck getting his first NFL start at right tackle. (Wilson)
• Albert Breer of SI believes that Chiefs’ OC Eric Bieniemy is the most likely candidate to take over the Texans’ head coaching job, especially after Chiefs’ QB Patrick Mahomes has already recommended him to Texans’ QB Deshaun Watson. Not only does Watson have the ear of Texans’ ownership, but Breer also notes that Bieniemy would pair well with a GM such as John Dorsey or Chiefs’ executive Mike Borgonzi.

Titans

• Albert Breer of SI notes that the Jets and the Falcons will likely take a look at Titans’ OC Arthur Smith for their head coaching vacancies, and adds that it will be interesting to see how teams interact with him due to the fact that his father Fred Smith is an owner of FedEx, an obvious tie in with Washington.
• Titans activated P Brett Kern from the COVID-19 list. (NFLTR)
• Titans promoted S Sam Sloman and OLB Brooks Reed to their active roster.