AFC Notes: Colts, Ravens, Steelers

Colts

• The Indianapolis Colts announced Saturday that they’ve downgraded LB Anthony Walker (shoulder) to out for Week 16’s game.

Ravens

On Friday, the Ravens somewhat surprising announced that HC John Harbaugh will return for the 2019 season and they’re currently in extension talks.

• Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes that the confirmation of Harbaugh’s status nevertheless can be interpreted as an invitation for teams to call and possibly make an offer for Harbaugh.
• Harbaugh was expected to be one of, in fact, the top head-coaching candidates available after the season. With this in mind, Florio mentions that Harbaugh is under contract for one more season much like Jon Gruden was with the Raiders when they traded him to the Buccaneers for two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and $8 million in cash.
• Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Harbaugh would have been at the top of the list for head-coaching jobs this coming coaching cycle.
• According to Rapoport, Harbaugh wanted to be back in Baltimore, but was looking for a long-term commitment from the team, which they’re in the process of negotiating.

Steelers

• Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster said on Twitter that he is playing in Sunday’s Week 16 game after sustaining a groin injury during Thursday’s practice.