AFC Notes: Colts, Texans, Titans

Colts

• Per the Athletic’s Zak Keefer, Colts LT Anthony Castonzo returned to practice on Wednesday. 
• Colts second-round WR Michael Pittman returned to practice, albeit just as a spectator, and is still on track to return after the team’s bye in Week 7. (Jim Ayello)

Texans

• Per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Texans HC Romeo Crennel says he knows interim GM Jack Easterby from their time together with the Chiefs: “I think Jack is a very good person, he’s smart and after we were at Kansas City he went to New England and began his rise in business, learning about personnel and operations. He’s conscientious, hard worker.” 
• Crennel said losing LB Benardrick McKinney is going to be a tough blow for the defense: “It’s always hard to replace a real good player and B-Mac is a real good player, good leader, good communicator, he kind of runs the defense. Not having him out there, have to reinforce our communication.” (Wilson)

Titans

Titans HC Mike Vrabel called WR A.J. Brown a “critical part” of their team after posting seven receptions for 82 yards and one touchdown in Tuesday’s game.  

“A.J. is a critical part of our team. He has continued to work and develop. We are going to need him and everybody. It’s going to be a tough game here next week,” said Turron Davenport. 

Vrabel said “everyone” in the Titans’ organization gets a game ball after their Week 5 victory over the Bills. 

“Everybody involved in our organization will get a game ball tonight,” said Vrabel, via McCormick. 

Brown said that he did more than he was supposed to do throughout the week in regards to his knee injury, but he was committed to playing in Week 5. 

“I did more than what I was supposed to do. They weren’t expecting me back that early. When they told me I couldn’t go to the building I went to a field, ran routes to see where my knee was. I told myself I had to go this week. A lot of guys depending on me,” said Brown, via Davenport.