NFL Notes: Jaguars, Lions, Raiders, Titans

Jaguars

• According to Mike DiRocco of ESPN, Jaguars OC Nathaniel Hackett mentioned that a key change that QB Blake Bortles made this year is his understanding of dumping the ball off to a running back or throwing the ball away when an open receiver is not available.
• DiRocco writes that Bortles must continue being an efficient passer if he wants to have a long-term future with the Jaguars.
• Mike Kaye reports that the Jaguars will not activate WR Dede Westbrook (core muscle surgery) won’t be activated from injured reserve in time for Week 10’s game.

Lions

• While Lions RB Ameer Abdullah fumbled twice in Week 9, Michael Rothstein of ESPN believes the team will continue trusting him as their lead back, considering that he had gone 154 carries since his last fumble.
• Lions OC Jim Bob Cooter also voiced his support of Abdullah earlier this week: “He’s a guy that’s been really somebody we’ve trusted around here to handle himself the right way, to do things the right way, to protect the ball the right way. I think moving forward, we’ll gain that confidence level right back to where it’s always been.”
• Lions HC Jim Caldwell said he does not foresee fifth-round CB Jamal Agnew converting to the offensive side: “I don’t foresee that transition. He is what he is. I think he’s a very, very good nickel, but he also does obviously some things for us in the return game as well.”

Raiders

Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie said he anticipates negotiations with star OLB Khalil Mack picking up during the offseason.

“I anticipate that. Yes, I do,” McKenzie said, via CSN Bay Area. “Hopefully his agent feels the same.”

Mack will be in the final year of his rookie contract after the Raiders picked up his fifth-year option. Oakland will, obviously, still have their franchise tag available to them in 2019 if they’re unable to get a long-term extension in place next year.

Titans

• Cameron Wolfe of ESPN views the Titans’ upcoming game against the Bengals as one of the most important games on the schedule, given that they are entering a short week with Week 11’s Thursday night game against the Steelers.
• Wolfe would not be surprised to see the Titans use first-round WR Corey Davis in more one-on-one situations as the team’s “X” receiver.