AFC South Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Texans

Colts

Colts LB Darius Leonard is happy that surgery to clean up his ankle removed an issue that only cost him one game, but nagged him through the whole year.

“I thought, with the rest, that it would heal by itself, but coming back, running on it, it didn’t feel good,” Leonard said, via Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star. “I wasn’t 100 percent. I’m just glad we caught it when we did.”

• Per Erickson, Colts DC Matt Eberflus says the Colts will start second-rounder Ben Banogu at defensive end instead of SAM linebacker because of his ability as a pass rusher. 
• Colts HC Frank Reich mentioned that CB Quincy Wilson is dealing with a thumb injury. (Joel A. Erickson)
• Colts TE Jack Doyle (hip, kidney) ran routes at full speed, but didn’t practice with the team this spring. (Zak Keefer)

Jaguars

• Per Phillip Heilman, Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette says he believes he has had a successful offseason: “Because I worked hard, in spite of whatever anyone was saying and all that outside noise. I still did what I had to do to come here and work. Came back in better shape.” 
• Fournette added: “Nobody forced me to go work out. I did it on my own. That’s a good thing. I pushed myself.” (Heilman)
• Jaguars HC Doug Marrone said he expects LT Cam Robinson and WR Marqise Lee to be the only two players not available for the start of training camp. Although, he hopes to have them back at some point. (Phillip Heilman)

Texans

Former Texans security coordinator Jeff Pope filed a complaint alleging that former GM Brian Gaine “targeted” and fired several African American employees. 

Pope says he was “discriminated against and terminated on the basis of my race and color.”

The Texans have denied Pope’s allegation and said that his claim “was not a factor in the recent decision to relieve Brian Gaine from his job as general manager.”

“We have just been made aware of Mr. Pope’s claim,” team spokesperson Amy Palcic said. “We do not comment on pending litigation. The Houston Texans do not tolerate personal or professional discrimination of any kind.“