AFC South Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Texans, Titans

Colts

When Colts QB Andrew Luck missed the 2017 season with a shoulder injury, it predictably tanked Indianapolis’ season as the team sank to 4-12 after finishing no worse than 8-8 the five years prior. Luck’s return buoyed the Colts to a 10-6 record last year, but if he has to miss any time with his calf injury, the team is confident backup QB Jacoby Brissett and the surrounding team is much better equipped to step up. 

“We just tell him, ‘When you’re in, you’re the No. 1 quarterback. You’re the No. 1 quarterback until Andrew comes back,’” Colts HC Frank Reich said via Mike Chappell of Fox 59. “That’s the mindset you have to have. You’re the No. 1 guy. Be the No. 1 guy. Be that guy.”

• Per ESPN’s Mike Wells, Reich says the team plans to evaluate Luck again in the “next couple of” days: “Really, no further update.”
• The Colts are optimistic RB Jonathan Williams won’t miss much time with a broken rib. (Ian Rapoport)
• Colts WR Daurice Fountain had a successful surgery repairing a fractured and dislocated ankle, per Reich, and is expected to fully recover, though he’ll miss the 2019 season. (Chappell)
• Reich says Colts WR Chester Rogers is the top option at returner: “You can do the math on that.” (Erickson)
• Reich didn’t have any further updates on second-round WR Parris Campbell, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. (Erickson)
• The Colts could consider keeping six wide receivers, according to Reich, which would leave Zach Pascal, Marcus Johnson and Krishawn Hogan fighting for a potential spot. (Zak Keefer)

Jaguars

• Per the Athletic’s Phillip Heilman, Jaguars HC Doug Marrone says fifth-round RB Ryquell Armstead is in the last day of the concussion protocol. 
• Armstead could make it back in time to play in Thursday’s Week 3 preseason game. 

Texans

Texans OT Matt Kalil did not play during the team’s second preseason game. Health has been a question for Kalil throughout his career and he did not practice the Thursday before the game, but Texans HC Bill O’Brien said his “starting left tackle” would not have played regardless. 

“I didn’t want him to play,” O’Brien said via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “He’ll play next week. Just managing reps throughout the preseason, that’s all that is.”

• Texans first-round OL Tytus Howard broke his finger in the team’s Week 2 preseason game against the Lions, per Aaron Wilson.
• Wilson says the injury can be played through and shouldn’t sideline Howard for Week 1. 

Titans

• Titans HC Mike Vrabel said the team has held LB Harold Landry out of preseason work by design and he’s happy with the progress Landry has made in his second season, per ESPN’s Turron Davenport.
• Vrabel said the team will continue monitoring RB Derrick Henry with the goal of having him healthy and ready to play in Week 1 against the Browns. (Jim Wyatt)
• Vrabel added the team will wait another week before deciding on the starter at right guard for Week 1. The team site currently lists Kevin Pamphile as the starting right guard. (Wyatt)