AFC South Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Texans

Colts

It’s been a rough season for Colts K Adam Vinatieri. He has missed six extra points and five field goals which have directly contributed to a few losses for Indianapolis this season. But Vinatieri’s resume as one of the best kickers in league history has the front office and teammates still publicly showing confidence in him. 

“I mean, Adam, he’s my hero on my team,” Colts S Malik Hooker said via Jim Ayello of the Indianapolis Star. “I can’t speak for anyone else, but I don’t give a damn how many field goals he’s missed or what. That’s Adam Vinatieri, the greatest of all time. I grew up watching him. Anytime he’s out there kicking for my team, I’m always cheering for him.”

Colts HC Frank Reich affirmed that Vinatieri’s 24 years of kicking in the NFL helped the coaching staff remains confident in Vinatieri as the best option for Indianapolis going forward. 

“I just really believe in him,” said Reich, via Zak Keefer of The Athletic. “I just really believe that, whatever we’re going through, it’s just a phase and he’s gonna help us win games and get to where we wanna go. With 24 years of what he’s done, there’s a sense of … we believe in him, and if he’s going through a rough patch, we’re going to be a little bit more patient than normal.”

Reich added that he has spoken with Colts GM Chris Ballard about their situation at kicker and feel Vinatieri is still “a leader on our team.” 

“Adam is our kicker,” Reich said, via Kevin Bowen of 1075TheFan. “Chris (Ballard) and I have talked about the situation. We have confidence in Adam. Obviously, we’ve had other kickers in here working out. He’s not just our kicker. He’s a leader on our team. His presence is important. We feel we need him going forward. We have the utmost confidence in him.”

• Colts WR Devin Funchess said he won’t be cleared to play in a game despite returning to practice until his broken collarbone completely heals. (Kevin Bowen)

Jaguars

Jaguars sixth-round rookie QB Gardner Minshew has gone back to the bench after the return of Nick Foles, but his resume in eight starts has Minshew confident this won’t be the last time he’s an NFL starter. He completed 61.2 percent of his passes for 2,285 yards, 13 touchdowns and four interceptions and was 4-4 as a starter. 

“I think I proved I can be a guy in this league for a long, long time,” Minshew said via ESPN’s Michael DiRocco. “I think they believe that. And there’s other things we’re going to get better at so the next time I do get this opportunity, I’ll be ready and I’ll be better and we’re all going to progress together.”

Texans

• Texans CB Lonnie Johnson and G Greg Mancz have cleared the league’s concussion protocol. (Sarah Barshop)
• According to Adam Schefter, the Texans were the only team to put a waiver claim in on former Buccaneers CB Vernon Hargreaves.