AFC Notes: Colts, Steelers, Texans

Colts

Colts’ HC Frank Reich thinks that veterans such as QB Philip Rivers and CB Xavier Rhodes bring a good, competitive fire to the team.

“Xavier’s a good example of that,” Reich said, via Joel A. Erickson of IndyStar.com. “Philip’s another good example of bringing an outside guy in. We already had it internally as well, but those guys have certainly brought that. You watch great sports teams, the teams that win championships, and there’s always a locker-room leadership aspect to it. Coaches can only take the team so far. It really takes player leadership to have accountability go to another level, and that’s needed.”

• Colts HC Frank Reich confirmed that TE Trey Burton sustained a calf injury in Saturday’s practice and expects him to miss time: “My anticipation from talking to him is it’s going to be a little bit.” (Joel A. Erickson)
• Reich added that Colts CB Kenny Moore is “very close” to returning to practice. 
• Reich said Colts’ new DT DeForest Buckner will be a “game wrecker” for their defense and praised GM Chris Ballard: “I really think he’s gonna be a game wrecker… I think the move Chris made to get DeForest is really going to be a move that’s going to show itslef as the right move at the right time. He’s a dominant player.” (Stephen Holder)

Steelers

• Mark Kaboly of The Athletic lists some of the rising and falling players at Steelers’ training camp this offseason. Players who are trending upwards include QB Ben Roethlisberger, WR Chase Claypool, WR Ray-Ray McCloud, WR Ryan Switzer, TE Zach Gentry, LB T.J. Watt, and LB Alex Highsmith.
• Those mentioned by Kaboly as struggling include QB Paxton Lynch, RB Wendell Smallwood, WR Deon Cain, G Kevin Dotson, DL Chris Wormley, and LB Tuzar Skipper.

Texans

Texans TE Jordan Akins said he’s worked with his veteran teammates like Darren Fells this offseason toward improving his game. 

“Instead of using my athleticism, I picked the brain of vets. Darren Fells has been outstanding. I found myself mentally. My athleticism speaks for itself. My focus was to see how the vets speak. It seems to be working out fine,” said Akins, via Aaron Wilson. 

• According to Aaron Wilson, Texans WR Chad Hansen had “no structural damage” in his shoulder after sustaining an injury during practice earlier this week and it is not expected to be a long-term injury.
• Texans HC Bill O’Brien spoke about the return of CB Gareon Conley from injury: “Working hard, he’s improved. He made a couple of plays tonight. He’s come off PUP. It’s a work in progress. He’s definitely improving.” (Aaron Wilson)