AFC South Notes: Colts, Texans, Titans

Colts

Colts HC Frank Reich said their offense’s goal for the 2019 season was to gain a minimum of 2,000 rushing yards, which they are just two yards away from accomplishing.  

“We said at the beginning of the year . . . I threw out top-five and told our offense, ‘Minimum of 2,000 yards. That’s our goal,’’’ Reich said, via Mike Chappell of Fox59. “Really, in my mind, when you look at all the rushing yards stats over the years, 2,000 yards is a great goal. Twenty-two hundred, you hit 2,200 and you’re doing something special.’’

As for the Colts’ passing offense, Reich said there is “no question” that they must improve “every aspect” of their system. 

“We’ve had our moments, good moments, in the passing game,’’ Reich said. “It obviously hasn’t been as productive as we want it to be. There’s no question we need to be better there, starting with the coaching, how we game plan, every aspect of it.’’

• Per the Athletic’s Stephen Holder, Colts OC Nick Sirianni said QB Jacoby Brissett‘s MCL injury could have affected his accuracy because it impacted his dropbacks to throw. 

Texans

• Per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Texans QB Deshaun Watson was listed on the injury report with a back injury but says “he felt great” in practice. 
• Watson added he has “no idea” if he’s going to play Sunday since Houston is already locked into the No. 4 seed, though he would suit up if it were up to him. (Wilson)
• Texans LB Benardrick McKinney cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol. (Wilson)

Titans

• Per ESPN’s Turron Davenport, Titans HC Mike Vrabel says the team will monitor RB Derrick Henry to see if he’s ready to return this week: “You try to evaluate players through practice but you understand the real test is during the game when speeds increase.”
• Henry added he’s confident he’ll be able to play: “Anytime you can get some time to rest it’s a good thing. I love football. I love playing the game. I’m definitely ready.” (Davenport)
• Vrabel added WR Adam Humphries (ankle) and CB Adoree’ Jackson (foot) will return to practice Thursday. (Terry McCormick)