AFC South Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Texans, Titans

Colts

If it appears that the Colts’ decision to place TE Eric Ebron on injured reserve this week came out the blue, it did. Colts HC Frank Reich told reporters he was “not aware there was anything significant” with Ebron’s ankle. He acknowledged the team diagnosed him with an injury in training camp but that it hadn’t kept Ebron out of practice all year. 

“I’m not saying [the scan in training camp] was 100 percent clean, but it was nothing that was limiting him in practice,” Reich said via the Athletic’s Zak Keefer. “It didn’t limit him in training camp, it didn’t limit him in the season or in practice. Then, last week sometime, I don’t know if it flared up at practice or if it was the result of a previous game, but that was the first time that it had flared up to the point where it affected him as far as practice.”

“We all talked it through together,” Reich added. “I had conversations with Eric. [Colts GM] Chris [Ballard], had conversations with Eric. The doctors. At the end of the day, this is what was thought to be the best decision.”

• Colts second-round rookie WR Parris Campbell could return to the lineup this week depending on how practice goes. Campbell is testing out a wrap on his right hand he fractured earlier this year. (Keefer)
• Colts WR Devin Funchess won’t play this week as his collarbone still isn’t fully healed. Indianapolis has one more week to activate Funchess. 

Jaguars

Jaguars EVP Tom Coughlin addressed the media for the first time this season after the team fell to 4-7 on the season. While Coughlin didn’t specifically address the long-term future of himself, HC Doug Marrone or GM Dave Caldwell, he said there were no excuses for how Jacksonville’s season has played out so far and everyone would be evaluated. 

“We know as an organization that we’ve put ourselves in a hole this season and specifically, not performed as we had planned in the second half of the last three divisional games,” Coughlin said via ESPN’s Michael DiRocco. “I offer no excuses. … It’s important to keep in mind that we have five games to play and we are committed to do our very best to prepare, to practice and to put ourselves in the best possible position to win five games, one game at a time.

“… We have three more home games and we need our very loyal fans to come forward and support our players and our coaches and create for us the 12th-man advantage,” Coughlin continued. “We need everyone on board, and all pulling in the same direction. And by everyone I mean ownership, organization, coaches, players, scouts, staff, our great fans and our entire community. Everyone must be on board to help us win.” 

Texans

• Per NESN’s Doug Kyed, Patriots HC Bill Belichick said the team’s decision to file tampering charges against the Texans for their pursuit of Nick Caserio as general manager “didn’t have anything to do with” former Patriots and current Texans character coach Jack Easterby.
• Some had speculated the Texans’ decision to fire former GM Brian Gaine and pursue Caserio came after Easterby talked to Caserio at New England’s ring ceremony and secured his interest. 
• Texans CB Bradley Roby (hamstring) is expected to return this week against the Patriots. (James Palmer)
• According to Aaron Wilson, Texans S Justin Reid has cleared the league’s concussion protocol and set to play in Week 13. 

Titans

• Per Titans Insider’s Terry McCormick, Titans HC Mike Vrabel said the team elected to put TE Delanie Walker on injured reserve because they didn’t think he’d be able to return this season. 
• Titans placed TE Delanie Walker on injured reserve. (NFLTR)
• Titans signed K Ryan Santoso.