Happy Sunday my Tennessee Titans family! A new week brings us a new roundup, checking in on the team’s division rivals, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans.
We start in Indy, where some notable Colts are dealing with injuries that have sidelined them during the offseason program. Among those players is a 2023 draft pick who suffered a season-ending injury.
In Jacksonville, Jaguars 2022 first-round pick and edge rusher Devin Lloyd admitted he wasn’t quite ready for his first season in the NFL, both from a physical and mental standpoint.
In Houston, CJ Stroud’s coaches and teammates have heaped praise on the rookie signal-caller, even though the team has yet to officially announce him as its 2023 starter, something that is fully expected to happen.
Check out these stories and more as we take our latest trip around the AFC South to check in on the Texans, Colts and Jaguars.
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Three Colts rookies have done a good job of standing out during the team’s organized team activities, a list that includes fourth-rounder and offensive lineman Blake Freeland, fifth-rounder and cornerback Darius Rush, and undrafted rookie and wide receiver , Xavier Scott.
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Taylor remained on the sidelines at Colts minicamp as he continues to recover from offseason ankle surgery aimed at correcting a nagging injury he dealt with during the 2022 campaign. He hopes to be ready to roll for training camp.
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Like Taylor, Leonard is still not practicing this offseason as he works his way back from offseason back surgery. Leonard, who missed all but three games last season, has no timetable for his return to action.
Syndication: The Indianapolis Star
Colts Wire’s Cody Manning lists the five biggest challenges for new Indy head coach Shane Steichen, one of which includes “managing the ups and downs of Anthony Richardson” in his first season.
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Taylor is in the final year of his rookie deal and is talking to the Colts about an extension, something he hopes will be done before the season. But the running back realizes the difficulty of the market for the position.
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Colts fifth-round pick and safety Daniel Scott suffered a torn ACL at OTAs and has been placed on injured reserve, ending his first season before it starts.
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On the heels of Scott’s injury, Colts Wire’s Kevin Hickey lists five players Indy could target to replace their rookie safety. On the list is former Titans defensive back Joshua Kalu.
No, Colts Wire, you can’t have him!
Syndication: The Tennessean
Colts Wire’s Cody Manning ranked AFC South quarterbacks (including backups) and ranked Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill No. 2. It’s no surprise Trevor Lawrence landed No. 1.
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In case you were worried that the Jaguars would remove the pools during their major stadium renovation, fear not: the pools will be part of the new venue, according to the company responsible for the renovation.
Syndication: Florida Times-Union
The Jaguars hope wide receiver Calvin Ridley can be a resource for players when it comes to gambling, something Ridley has been susceptible to since coming to Jacksonville.
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After being absent from OTAs, Allen broke his silence, explaining that his absence was “to focus on myself, prioritize myself this offseason.” Allen is in the final year of his rookie deal.
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Jaguars coaches have seen some improvement over the offseason from Chaisson, who has been a disappointment overall since being taken in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft.
Syndication: The Tennessean
The Jags’ 2022 first-round pick admitted he wasn’t quite ready physically for his first season in the NFL, and that, along with outside criticism, took a toll on him mentally.
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Jaguars quarterbacks coach Mike McCoy said Lawrence’s voice “carries a lot” with his teammates entering his third season and when he speaks, “everybody listens.”
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Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik mentioned how he has had Collins watch Julio Jones tape because he feels the two wideouts present similar styles in his scheme.
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In what is zero surprise, Watt will be the newest member of the Texans’ Ring of Honor in 2023, with the ceremony set to take place in Week 4 when the Texans face Watt’s brother, TJ, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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After being absent during OTAs, Nelson was present and participated in mandatory minicamp last week. Nelson is in the second year of a two-year deal with Houston.
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While Stroud worked with them in mandatory minicamp last week, head coach DeMeco Ryan revealed it was just part of the quarterback rotation in practice. Houston has yet to name Stroud the starter.
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A former Dallas Cowboy, Brown believes there are similarities between his new quarterback, Stroud, and his old one, Prescott, especially when it comes to “arm talent.”
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Ryans has been impressed with the way his rookie signal caller is taking things, noting that Stroud “doesn’t make the same mistake twice,” which is important for a young quarterback learning the ropes of the NFL.
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Harris explains why the defensive scheme under Ryans will do a better job of stopping the run, something that has been a major problem for Houston in recent years, especially when facing The King.
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Houston locked up one of its better defensemen last week after agreeing to a two-year, $23 million extension with Collins that includes a $10.5 million signing bonus.
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After a lackluster rookie campaign, Green has spent the offseason recovering from a knee procedure that has kept him sidelined. Ryans believes the next month leading into training camp will be huge for the Texas A&M product.