Your weekly roundup of news in the AFC from SB Nation blog sites
AFC SOUTH:
Indianapolis Colts (via Stampede Blue)
Colts LB Zaire Franklin nominated for ‘2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year’
It’s the latest community honor for Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin, who’s had a breakout campaign on the field.
“In the midst of a breakout campaign on the field, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin has also been nominated by his team for the ‘2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year’ as a servant leader in his local Indy and hometown Philadelphia communities:”
Houston Texans (via Battle Red Blog)
BREAKING: Texans receiver Tank Dell suffers serious ankle injury
The rookie wide receiver suffered an injury during Sunday’s game vs. the Denver Broncos
“It was later reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that Tank Dell suffered a fractured fibula during Sunday’s game vs. the Denver Broncos, and he was placed on Injured Reserve.”
Tennessee Titans (via Music City Miracles)
3 candidates to be Tennessee Titans’ next special teams coordinator
Will Mike Vrabel opt for familiarity?
“Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel fired special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman on Monday. After years of fielding middling to below average special teams units, the final straw arrived when the Indianapolis Colts blocked back-to-back punts in Sunday’s defeat. Elite punter Ryan Stonehouse suffered a gruesome season-ending injury on the second punt. Aukerman’s failure to protect Stonehouse’s health likely contributed to his firing as much as schematic ineptness did.”
AFC EAST:
Miami Dolphins (via The Phinsider)
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins dominating early Pro Bowl voting
The Miami Dolphins will be well represented in the 2024 Pro Bowl if the early vote tallies hold true.
“The Miami Dolphins are dominating the early 2024 Pro Bowl fan vote. According to a release from the NFL on Wednesday, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has received the most votes of any player in the initial round of voting, tallying 59,680 votes, over 15,000 more votes than Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud who has the second-highest total. But Tagovailoa, who was also received the most fan votes ahead of last year’s Pro Bowl Games, is not the only Dolphins player dominating the vote.”
New England Patriots (via Pats Pulpit)
Jonathan Jones named Patriots’ nominee for 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award
Jones is one of 32 players across the league nominated for the honor.
“Jones is one of 32 players nominated by their respective teams. The award, named after the late Chicago Bears running back and Pro Football Hall of Famer Walter Payton, acknowledges players not just for their work on the field but off it as well.”
Buffalo Bills (via Buffalo Rumblings)
Buffalo Bills CB Dane Jackson, S Taylor Rapp back practicing to begin Week 14
Dane Jackson cleared concussion protocol and Taylor Rapp joined him, as both practiced in full Wednesday
“After a much-needed Bye Week, the Buffalo Bills start Week 14 with everyone ready to practice.
The only non-participant was edge rusher Von Miller, who received a veteran rest day.”
New York Jets (via Gang Green Nation)
Zach Wilson to return to starting lineup for New York Jets in Week 14 vs. Houston Texans
A bizarre week ends in a new/old starting quarterback for the Jets.
“Jets head coach Robert Saleh has named his starting quarterback for the team’s Week 14 game against the Houston Texans. It is Zach Wilson, the quarterback Saleh benched just three short weeks ago.”
AFC WEST:
Kansas City Chiefs (via Arrowhead Pride)
Patrick Mahomes is Chiefs’ nominee for Man of the Year — and the ‘Charity Challenge’ begins
The award winner is announced the Thursday before Super Bowl LVIII.
“All 32 nominees will receive up to a $55,000 donation in his name to his charity of choice. The winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award will receive a $250,000 donation to the charity of his choice.”
Denver Broncos (via Mile High Report)
Broncos vs. Chargers Week 14 practice participation report: Wednesday
The Denver Broncos came out of the loss to the Houston Texans a little banged up, but everyone was at least a limited participant on Wednesday.
“The Denver Broncos came out of their 22-17 loss to the Houston Texans a bit banged up, but not terribly so. There was the scary knee injury to Patrick Surtain II, but he was able to come back and finish playing in the game. Overall, everyone who got dinged up were at least limited participants in practice on Wednesday as they team prepared to play the Los Angeles Chargers.”
Los Angeles Chargers (via Bolts from the Blue)
Chargers P JK Scott named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week
Chargers punter JK Scott won his second AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honor with a dominant performance against the Patriots.
“In a wet and soggy game between the Chargers and Patriots this past Sunday, offensive yards and points on the scoreboard came at a premium. The Bolts won 6-0, but it was probably the least-satisfying victory for fans who had to suffer through the 60 minutes of regulation. In the end, it wasn’t Justin Herbert or one of the team’s stars that led them to victory, but the unheralded JK Scott who punted them to the promised land.”
Las Vegas Raiders (via Silver and Black Pride)
6 players who need to finish the season strong: Malcolm Koonce fighting for bigger role
Ending the year on a high note will be big for these guys
“With the Las Vegas Raiders’ playoff hopes virtually over at 5-7, the Raiders’ last five games of the season should give younger players a chance to prove themselves heading into next year and beyond. Below is a look at six guys who need to finish the campaign strong to potentially earn a bigger role down the line.”
AFC NORTH:
Cincinnati Bengals (via Cincy Jungle)
Bengals vs. Colts Injury Report: Chase Brown limited; Jonathan Taylor still out
The Bengals just had a walkthrough today, but there are a few players on the injury report worth keeping an eye on
“The Bengals (6-6) are relatively healthy compared to a lot of other teams at this point in the season. They didn’t have a typical practice on Wednesday, opting instead for an indoor walkthrough, but a couple of names did pop up on the injury report worth keeping an eye on.”
Baltimore Ravens (via Baltimore Beatdown)
Ravens designated rookie OLB Malik Hamm to return to practice from injured reserve
The undrafted first-year pro had his 21-day practice window opened.
“A week after announcing that second-year outside linebacker David Ojabo underwent season-ending surgery on a partially torn ACL, the Baltimore Ravens got some good injury-related news on Monday when they designated rookie edge defender Malik Hamm to return to practice from injured reserve.”
Pittsburgh Steelers (via Behind the Steel Curtain)
Mitch Trubisky to start for the Steelers; what can fans expect?
Lessons from playing a different quarterback and a forecast for the next few games…
“Pittsburgh Steelers second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett will miss at least the next few games after undergoing ankle surgery their Week 13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Moaning and groaning about injuries doesn’t change that fact, and Mitch Trubisky is now the next man up. Trubisky doesn’t excite many fans — not in a good way anyway.”
Cleveland Browns (via Dawgs by Nature)
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns: Week 14 TV Map
See which cities get to watch the Jaguars vs. Browns game on television this week.
“National Coverage: The early slate of games on CBS isn’t too impressive, and with the Browns already having the network’s No. 2 announce team, that means they get a lot of national coverage despite both starting quarterbacks being backups.”
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