AFC Notes: Colts, Steelers, Texans

Colts

Colts C Ryan Kelly, who is set to play out the 2020 season under his fifth-year option, says he’s hoping to remain in Indianapolis long term and get an extension done with the team. 

“Hopefully they value what I do,” Kelly said, via the Indy Star. “If not, then I understand. But I love it here. I want to stay here. This is my home. I got a house here because I love the city. The guys in the room, I love what we’ve developed on this team. It’s certainly a lot different than it was when I first walked in the door Day 1. Time will tell. But right now, yeah, this is definitely where I want to be.”

Steelers

• Ian Rapoport reports that Steelers QB Mason Rudolph, who has been placed on injured reserve, specifically suffered a sternoclavicular (SC) joint dislocation of his left shoulder.
• Rapoport adds that Rudolph had a successful procedure to reset his shoulder and has been released from the hospital. The plan moving forward is for him to start throwing again in 6-8 weeks.
• Steelers HC Mike Tomlin announced Tuesday that C Maurkice Pouncey is out with a knee injury and RB James Conner‘s injury leaves his Week 17 status in question. (Brooke Pryor)

Texans

• Texans DE J.J. Watt, who has been designated to return from injured reserve, said J.J. Watt of his return: “I feel extremely excited about being able to be back on the practice field with the guys. There’s an element of risk involved as well. To me, opportunity to play in the playoffs, it’s just there’s nothing I want more. It’s built in there.” (Aaron Wilson)
• Watt acknowledged that “there’s an element of risk involved” returning two months after surgery for a torn pec, but “there’s nothing I want more” than to play in playoffs. (Tom Pelissero)
• Watt added that he felt so good a couple of days after surgery that he started asking questions about returning later on in the season. 
• As for what he anticipates his role being upon returning to the team, Watt said it won’t be an “every-play kind of thing.” (Aaron Wilson)