AFC South Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Titans

Colts

While the Colts signed Philip Rivers to just a one-year deal, on Monday HC Frank Reich told reporters the hope is Rivers will be Indianapolis’ starting quarterback for longer than just 2020. And while Reich acknowledged the realities of the NFL — often said to stand for “Not For Long” — necessitated a commitment of just one year for both sides to feel each other out, the 38-year-old Rivers is also hopeful he’ll be with the team for multiple years. 

“I’ve expressed publicly and the Colts have said, too, they hope it’s more than one year,” Rivers said at a recent news conference in which he was named coach-in-waiting at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, via the Athletic’s Stephen Holder. “But we take it one year at a time. I love playing. When that time does end, you will get the same passion and work ethic at this school and community that I’ve poured into my career.”

• Per the Athletic’s Zak Keefer, Reich said he expects Rivers to move to Indianapolis sooner rather than later. That will allow Rivers to work out and throw with teammates. 
• Reich mentioned he’s been really impressed with C Ryan Kelly, who’s up for a potential contract extension, since joining the team: “I didn’t realize how much of an alpha dog he is. … This guy has taken complete control of the offensive line room as far as the calls … he’s a really, really smart football player.” (Andrew Walker)
• Even though the Colts have Marlon Mack and second-round rookie Jonathan Taylor at running back, Reich told reporters RB Nyheim Hines would have a key role in 2020: “Philip has an uncanny ability to get the ball to the backs … Nyheim will be very much integrated into the game plan, on all three downs. … Still enough snaps for him to be very, very productive this year. Very productive.” (Walker)

Jaguars

• Per John Reid of the Florida Times-Union, Jaguars RB Chris Thompson said his injury history and the difficulty of doing visits during the pandemic affected his free-agent market. 

Titans

• Jim Wyatt of the official team website mentions that while the Titans’ trade of DT Jurrell Casey to the Broncos for a seventh-round pick was widely seen as a move to cut salary, it done with more of a long-term perspective rather than clearing out cap for an immediate move like for DE Jadeveon Clowney.