Colts

Blake Grupe and Spencer Shrader are competing for the Colts’ starting kicker job in training camp. Grupe is embracing the competition with Shrader and is taking things “one rep at a time.”

“That’s the nature of the position,” Grupe said, via Abby Halpin of the team’s site. “Everyone knows what they’re signing up for. You just go out there and worry about you, and take it one rep at a time.”

Shrader said he has “nothing but respect” for Grupe and feels they both support each other. 

“I want the best for him, and I know he wants the best for me,” Shrader said. “I have nothing but respect for him. He’s an excellent kicker.”

Grupe mentioned that he’s been friends with Shrader for several years before they arrived in Indianapolis.

“To go against a guy you have truly been friends with and have known over the years, you can’t ask for a better guy to go against,” Grupe said. “We’re duking it out one-on-one and it is what it is.”

Texans

Texans WR Tank Dell is back on the field and spoke about the “roller coaster ride” he has been on since being initially injured over two years ago.

“I’m ready,” Dell said,via Aaron Wilson. “I can’t wait. It’s been a roller coaster ride. You know, I have my good days, I have my bad days. Just me keeping my trust in God, being faithful with God and just knowing that He could come through for me. I always had, like, a levitating head. I always knew that’s the main thing, and I always kept that at the front of my head. It’s been a roller coaster ride, to say the least. It’s been a long journey, but I’m built for it, and I’m ready for it, and I was ready for it. I’m getting through it, and it’s light at the end of the tunnel, so I’m almost there.”

• Texans HC DeMeco Ryans on Dell: “You want to see that comeback story. Tank (Dell) looks reall nice out there, getting back in the swing of things. It gets lonely when in return to football program. To get back out there, it’s that first big step. We’re taking our time with Tank, allowing him to come along. Outstanding job, nice crisp in routes. It’s exciting.” (Wilson)
• Ryans on WR Jaylin Noel: “Jaylin has a chance. How do we define role? How do we carve out that role? He made some really nice, productive returns. And get him the ball on offense multiple times a game.” (Wilson)
• Texans DE Danielle Hunter on the improvements made by OT Aireontae Ersery: “I see major improvement. Tremendous feet. Great jump from him. I expect big things for him.” (Wilson)
• Hunter on DE Will Anderson Jr., who has been training with DE Myles Garrett this offseason: “He’s looked phenomenal. Biggest thing about Will is he just keeps getting quicker and quicker. Explosiveness, power, sky’s the limit. Developed new techniques, new angles, been around the right people.” (Wilson)

Titans

The Titans selected WR Carnell Tate with the No. 4 overall pick in this year’s draft. When asked about expectations for his rookie season, Tate said he just wants to play the game and prove himself. 

“I just go out there and play football,” Tate said, via Jim Wyatt of the team’s site. “If you don’t have expectations, you aren’t doing something right. I just go out there and play football and have fun.”

As for playing alongside WR Calvin Ridley, Tate said he’s trying to soak up knowledge from the veteran receiver.

“I try to pick Ridley’s brain as much as possible,” Tate said. “I am just soaking it in, trying to get better here and there and just preparing myself for the season and ultimately learning and getting ready.”

Tate said he hasn’t had any time to rest this offseason. 

“For me it has been non-stop, from the end of the season to the combine to the draft to the visits to the OTAs to camp,” Tate said. “It has been non-stop football, which I love, I’m not complaining at all. I get to go out there and play football.”