AFC South Notes: Colts, Texans, Titans
Let’s dive into some key updates from around the AFC South, where special teams shakeups, injury recoveries, and offseason planning are already in full swing.
Colts: Blake Grupe Steps Up, Future Still Uncertain
When Blake Grupe arrived in Indianapolis in December, he wasn’t just looking to fill a roster spot-he was out to prove he belonged. And in limited action, he did exactly that. Grupe went a perfect 11-for-11 on field goals and 10-for-10 on extra points to close out the season, bringing a steady leg to the Colts' kicking game during a crucial stretch.
“I basically just tried to get here and hit the ground running,” Grupe said. “Show what I’m about, show what I can do, and at the end of the day just be me.”
Now, Grupe heads into the offseason as a restricted free agent. While his future in Indy remains up in the air, one thing is clear: he’s made a strong impression-not just with his performance, but with the relationships he’s built. He spoke highly of special teams coordinator Brian Mason and fellow kicker Spencer Shrader, who’s currently rehabbing from knee surgery.
“I have no idea,” Grupe said about his future. “That’s why we have agents.
I know Mason is my guy and I love being here. Spence is my guy, too.
It’s a weird time. I’m thankful I could make the decision difficult.”
As for Shrader, he’s targeting a return during OTAs after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery. His goal is to be kicking again by early to mid-June, though he acknowledged it may not be at full speed right away.
“I think I’ll be on the faster end of that,” Shrader said. “I’ll probably be working into it, getting comfortable, gaining confidence back.
Then full-go would be like training camp. That’s realistic.”
Texans: Progress, Patience, and Planning Ahead
Over in Houston, GM Nick Caserio had plenty to reflect on-and look forward to-after a season that saw the Texans take a major step forward, especially along the offensive line. Caserio credited OL coach Cole Popovich for the unit’s growth, calling his impact “phenomenal.”
“That group definitely improved,” Caserio said. And it showed, especially in how they protected rookie QB C.J. Stroud and created lanes in the run game.
Speaking of Stroud, Caserio didn’t tip his hand when asked about a future contract extension or the fifth-year option. But he acknowledged those “business-wise” decisions are on the table this offseason.
“Really good season, done a lot of good things for this organization,” Caserio said of Stroud. “In the end, the most important thing is our ball security.
We’ve shown we can take care of the football. Did a poor job Sunday.
Reality is, what can we do better individually? For a quarterback, the No. 1 job is to mitigate risk every single play.”
That’s the kind of accountability and forward-thinking you want to hear from a front office with a rising star under center.
As for WR Tank Dell, who missed the season after a serious knee injury in December 2024, Caserio said his status is still “TBD,” but there’s optimism he’ll be ready for the offseason program.
“Knowing Tank, cautiously optimistic he can be Tank Dell,” Caserio said. The Texans will get a clearer picture once he’s back on the field.
Tight end Cade Stover also got some encouraging news-his MRI showed no damage to his ACL, a relief for a team that’s already had its share of injury setbacks.
Running back Joe Mixon was another name Caserio addressed. Mixon worked hard to get on the field, but things never quite came together. Caserio called it a “very unique situation” and left the door open for another look in the offseason.
Titans: (No New Updates)
At the moment, there are no major developments coming out of Tennessee, but with a new coaching staff and plenty of offseason decisions looming, expect the Titans to be active in the coming weeks.
Final Word
From Grupe’s perfect run in Indy to Houston’s optimism around Tank Dell and the steady hand guiding C.J. Stroud’s development, the AFC South is already laying the groundwork for 2026. Whether it’s young players proving themselves or front offices making strategic calls, this division is shaping up to be one to watch.