Colts
Although Colts HC Frank Reich said they plan an “open competition” between kickers Rodrigo Blankenship and Eddy Pineiro, he said that Blankenship is the deserving “incumbent” starter.
“It’s open competition, but Hot Rod – he’s the incumbent,” Reich said, via George Bremer of the Herald Bulletin. “Everything has to be earned. Hot Rod had a good season for us last year, so that’s obviously taken into consideration. He’ll have to earn it again this year, but it is open competition.”
Jaguars
Jaguars first-round QB Trevor Lawrence said he is disappointed he can’t do more in practice, but he still feels like his hamstring is improving.
“It’s feeling good. It’s been about a week. Just trying to work it back to full capacity,” Lawrence said, NFL.com. “It’s a little frustrating just not being able to go full speed. I’m feeling good and just trying to not have any more setbacks. So taking it slow. Got some good reps today. So start getting more and more each day this week. And just kinda work back into it. It’s doing great. Try to work it back.”
New Jaguars CB Shaquill Griffin has still been impressed with what Lawrence has shown in practice so far.
“I feel like the main thing I’ve been seeing is he’s very explosive, so when the ball is out it’s out,” Griffin said. “When you see him throwing, even if I’m out on the sideline, I’m watching him throwing to different receivers. It’s just the rotation of the ball. The time. The way he’s putting it away from everybody. It’s just insane to see that so early in a quarterback. You talk about coming into the league with such high hopes, and he’s proving that.”
- Jaguars G Andrew Norwell is in attendance for minicamp after missing OTAs. (John Reid)
- Meyer said OLB K’Lavon Chaisson tested positive for COVID-19 and isn’t at minicamp. (Reid)
Titans
Terry McCormick of Titans Insider doesn’t expect WR Julio Jones to be the focal point of the offense in 2021 after being traded from the Falcons this past offseason.
Jones addressed his upcoming role with the team during media availability.
“I’ve never been a stat guy. I’m a team guy. I’m just excited to be a part of the organization and whatever they need me to do, I’ll do it and fit my role and do it at a high level.”
- McCormick notes that the acquisitions of WR Josh Reynolds and Jones could signal a shift from their traditional 12 personnel to 11 personnel.
- McCormick also stated that while 11 personnel is typically used in passing offenses, Rams HC Sean McVay found a way to feature RB Todd Gurley during the Rams Super Bowl run. Current Titans OC Todd Downing has promised to keep a lot of the same concepts that now HC Arthur Smith used while serving as coordinator in Tennessee, while adding his own spin to the offense.
- Titans OL coach Keith Carter praised rookie OL Dillon Radunz: “He is doing a great job. Already he’s played inside and outside. He’ll go all day. He has the cool ability to power through to the next play and keep grinding.” (Turron Davenport)
- TE coach Luke Steckel said TE Anthony Firkser is playing more inline tight end: “With all of our guys, we preach versatility. Have to be able to handle inline as well as detached. Firkser has played a lot in a two-point stance detached but he’s capable and played inline in the past.” (Davenport)
- WR coach Rob Moore believes adding Jones will help WR A.J. Brown‘s development: “They’ll help each other out a great deal. At the end of the day, it’s about getting both of them to play at a high level. If we put the necessary work in they can be a formidable tandem in this league.” (Davenport)
- Moore also said WR Marcus Johnson has stood out: “Marcus has done a solid job especially in the past couple of weeks. He has versatility to him, able to move around, play at a high level. He’s done some nice things.” (Davenport)
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