NFL Team Reports: AFC South

Several times a week, The Trenches will present team reports from Sporting News’ 32 NFL correspondents. Check back each day for the latest news on your team.

Jacksonville Jaguars

CB Rashean Mathis(notes), the team’s top defensive back, will miss Sunday’s game vs. Buffalo with a strained groin—further straining a struggling secondary. The Jaguars must defend against WR Terrell Owens(notes) and Lee Evans(notes) with a depleted secondary.

Rashean Mathis(notes)
SportingNews.com - Nov 19, 12:33 pm EST

• NFL Gallery

FS Reggie Nelson(notes) moved to cornerback the last time Mathis missed a game (at Tennessee on Nov. 1) and struggled in run support as the Titans reeled off 305 rushing yards. Coach Jack Del Rio wouldn’t say whether Nelson will replace Mathis again Sunday, but it’s a likely scenario given the club’s lack of depth.

If Nelson moves to corner, the Jaguars likely would start Sean Considine(notes) and Gerald Alexander(notes) at safety. Considine returned to the lineup last week and racked up a team-high nine tackles. Alexander was inactive against the Jets because of a shoulder problem.
— Michael C. Wright

Tennessee Titans

QB Vince Young(notes) looks like a different player in his second go-around as the starter, Jim Wyatt reports.
— Jim Wyatt

Houston Texans

When the Texans considered signing free-agent RB Larry Johnson(notes), it was obvious coach Gary Kubiak blamed the team average of 90.8 yards rushing per game on the backs rather than the line.

He proved it again this week by moving Arian Foster(notes) from the practice squad to the regular roster. Foster wasn’t drafted out of Tennessee. He was injured for part of preseason and didn’t get many carries.

Foster (6-1, 224) should be active for Monday night’s game vs. Tennessee. Kubiak said he wouldn’t have made the move if Foster couldn’t contribute on special teams. It’s hard to imagine Foster, who had a fumbling problem in college, carrying the ball for the first time in such a crucial game. Then again, Steve Slaton(notes) (five), Ryan Moats(notes) (one) and Chris Brown (one) have combined for seven lost fumbles.
— John McClain

Indianapolis Colts

K Matt Stover(notes) is heading home for Sunday’s game with the Ravens, but working for the visiting Colts. The long-time Ravens kicker, who still lives in Baltimore, became a free agent when the team opted not to re-sign him. He stayed in shape and was ready when the Colts needed a replacement for injured Adam Vinatieri(notes) (knee).

Stover, 41, has been solid, converting all eight field-goal attempts and displaying adequate leg strength for someone in his 20th season.

Vinatieri is expected to miss a couple more games. Until he returns, Stover is a solid alternative.
— Mike Chappell

More from Sporting News: Bills Reportedly Looking at Bill Cowher for Head Coach Opening