AFC Notes: Colts, Texans, Titans

Colts

• The Athletic’s Zak Keefer writes Colts DE Tyquan Lewis is not assured of a roster spot and the former second-round pick needs to carve out a role for himself on a suddenly crowded defensive line. 
• Keefer says the Colts are still excited about 2019 second-round WR Parris Campbell but they need him to stay healthy. 
• Keefer writes the Colts are taking a little bit of a gamble on former Vikings CB Xavier Rhodes as one of their new starting corners. 
• Colts QB Chad Kelly is likely competing for a spot on the practice squad, as he’s unlikely to push fourth-round QB Jacob Eason off the roster for the No. 3 quarterback job. Colts WR Daurice Fountain is also battling for a spot on the roster. 
• Keefer adds Colts S Malik Hooker has a lot to prove after the team declined his fifth-year option. 
• While the Colts remain high on 2019 second-round DE Ben Banogu, he also faces an uphill climb for playing time. 
• Colts TE Trey Burton is looking to prove himself in 2020 after injuries shuttered his time in Chicago. 
• The Athletic’s Stephen Holder predicts Colts S Khari Willis will be the team’s breakout player in 2020 and become an impact starter in his second season. 

Texans

• The Athletic’s Aaron Reiss predicts Texans TE Kahale Warring will be the team’s breakout player in 2020 and establish himself as an impact starter. 
• While the Texans rookies reported to camp Monday, they were not expected to be inside the team facility and were just tested. (Mark Maske)

Titans

• Jim Wyatt of the team website notes Titans TEs Anthony Firkser and MyCole Pruitt are battling for playing time as the No. 2 tight end. Firkser already has QB Ryan Tannehill‘s trust as a receiver but could earn more snaps if he improves as a blocker. 
• Titans TE Jonnu Smith is locked in as Tennessee’s starter, while Parker Hesse, Cole Herdman and UDFA Tommy Hudson are battling for possibly a fourth roster spot or a berth on the practice squad. 
• The Athletic’s Joe Rexrode predicts Titans DT Jeffery Simmons will be the team’s breakout player in 2020 and establish himself as an impact starter.