AFC South Notes: Colts, Texans, Titans

Colts

The Colts are looking for an increase in consistency from S Malik Hooker after they opted to decline his fifth-year option and selected S Julian Blackmon in the third round of the draft. 

Colts DC Matt Eberflus explained that he feels Hooker was taking steps in the right direction last year and just needs to keep building on this. 

“I would say that if you watched Malik last year — when I watched him in practice because we have only had him for two years, I really saw a step (forward) in terms of his practice,” Eberflus said. “In training camp, I could see it. Early on in the season, I could see it. He really started to bust his tail and go the way we were talking about going — all of us — in practice in terms of effort, execution, playmaking.

“I feel that he was taking steps in that direction. I really do. If you watched him in some of those games … he really was playing well at a very high level. What he does and what everybody else has to do is just be more consistent.”

Texans

Texans OC Tim Kelly said the organization is encouraged by WR Will Fuller‘s recovery from offseason groin and core muscle surgeries. 

“All the conversations I’ve had with Will have been encouraging,” Kelly said, via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “He’s been good in the meeting room, he’s been great with his position coach, John Perry. So, we’re encouraged by that.”

Texans HC Bill O’Brien said that Fuller is “doing great” and has kept in touch with the wide receiver since the end of the 2019 season. 

“Will Fuller is doing great,” O’Brien said. “Since we’ve left, I’ve been in touch with him a couple of times. He’s working out. He looks good. We’re excited about Will. We’re excited about the 2020 Will. We feel like he’s really working.”

O’Brien praised Fuller’s big-play ability and mentioned the receiver is looking forward to a “really good” 2020 season. 

“When he’s played, he’s made huge plays,” O’Brien said. “I think he’s looking to have a really good 2020.”

Fuller mentioned that his goal for the 2020 regular season is to play in all 16 games and hopes to find more trainers to help enhance his durability. 

“That’s a big goal for me to play all 16 games,” said Fuller. “I just need to find someone that’s good at what they do so they can help me out, figure out my body, and everything I can do from the inside out.

Titans

• Jim Wyatt of the Titans’ official site expects QBs Logan Woodside and Cole McDonald to compete for the back-up role, but the team could sign a veteran if neither player is able to establish themselves. 
• Wyatt notes that there are no updates with Titans RB Derrick Henry‘s possible long-term extension and a deal will likely not occur until training camp gets closer. 
• As for the Titans’ competition at placekicker, Wyatt writes that K Greg Joseph and UDFA K Tucker McCann will compete for the starting job this offseason.
• However, Wyatt thinks the Titans re-signing veteran free-agent K Ryan Succop is not “beyond the realm of possibility.”