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Running back Rashad Jennings tweeted that his knee injury prompted the Jaguars to place him on injured reserve.

So Jacksonville officially has depth concerns at running back.

Maurice Jones-Drew is coming off knee surgery and did little in the preseason, appearing only in the finale. The team has talked about lightening his load, and the primary guy to do that was going to be Jennings.

Deji Karim is a nice change-up back, but the team could now look for a bigger guy as insurance for Jones-Drew, and to take some of his work on first and second down.

Jacksonville media pressed Jack Del Rio recently about the running back plan if Jennings wasn’t ready for the Sept. 11 opener against the Titans.

Here’s that exchange:

If Rashad Jennings is not ready for the opener, how confident are you in Deji Karim to be the backup? Talk about him and his readiness if he has to be the number two guy.

Del Rio: "I feel great about our backfield. I think we have depth. I think we have productive guys that will step up and play big for us. Deji is one of them. I think you’ll see an increased role with Montell (Owens), an increased role with Brock (Bolen). But Deji in particular has been very explosive this preseason. He’s got some real quicks, he’s got great vision and he’s been improved in all facets of his game. And the thing that stands out is the explosive element that he brings."

So Brock Bolen and Montell Owens will carry the ball more?

“Yes, they’ll be involved.”

What’s your thinking there?

“Just using our talent, just using the players we have.”

So does that mean Maurice Jones-Drew won’t have quite as many carries as he has in the past?

“No, that means that Maurice is still going to get his load but the question was asked if Rashad is not able to go, how will we fill that and I spoke about that.”

So Deji Karim, Brock Bolen and Montell Owens will be the backups?

“Yeah, we like the whole group top to bottom.”

It’s hard to get excited about carries for Owens, a fullback who works as a special-teams ace or Bolen, also a fullback. Surely it was an oversight that Del Rio didn’t mention a longtime favorite, starting fullback Greg Jones. Frankly, no team should ever carry three fullbacks.

The Jaguars need a second or third option who's spent time carrying the ball.

Reading the coverage ...

Houston Texans

The Texans are projected to be $7.6 million under the 2011 $120 million salary cap.

If safety Gerald Sensabaugh doesn't re-sign with the Cowboys he could see himself being reunited with Wade Phillips in Houston. "I could definitely see that if Dallas doesn’t work out," Sensabaugh said. "Wade’s a good guy, I already know his system and it would be an easy transition for me. I wouldn’t have to learn anything new, and at the same time, I’d be able to help the other guys learn Wade’s system. I could see that becoming an option."

Indianapolis Colts

The Houston Chronicle's Stephanie Stradley points out via Twitter that, despite recent reports that Peyton Manning had neck issues throughout 2010, he never appeared on the Colts' injury report last season.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Owner Wayne Weaver and team executives are headed to Atlanta Thursday as movement toward a new CBA continues.

Rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert joined tight end Zach Potter and fullback Brock Bolen at Atlantic Coast High School to get in some practice Wednesday, and before long high school students were running routes and catching passes from Gabbert.

Tennessee Titans

Kerry Collins says he's comfortable with his decision to retire: "I am really at peace with my career,’’ Collins said on Wednesday. “I didn’t win a Super Bowl and that is going to be one of the things that bugs me, I know it will. But when I sit here and look back at the age of 38, I played 16 years and I had kind of a rough start but I am proud of the way I came back from that and the things I accomplished over the years."

Linebacker Rennie Curran talked with KSAZ-TV about preparing for the season during the lockout.

Check here for a full list of Jacksonville’s roster moves.

Biggest surprises: Three undrafted rookies won spots -- offensive tackle Kevin Haslam, defensive end Aaron Morgan and linebacker Jacob Cutrera. Getting anything for Reggie Nelson was big, and GM Gene Smith managed to send the safety to Cincinnati for David Jones. That’s a surprise. That they also cut another veteran safety, Gerald Alexander, before adding one, also qualifies as a surprise. They seem sure to add someone in the coming days. Right now the starting pairing would come from Anthony Smith, Sean Considine, Tyron Brackenridge and Courtney Greene. I bet Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub endorse that. It’s not clear who the third wide receiver will be with Troy Williamson gone. Atiyyah Ellison was a feel good story a year ago, now he’s gone too. The team has three fullbacks with Greg Jones, Montell Owens and Brock Bolen. Kynan Forney was competing for a starting guard job, lost it and lost his place on the team.

No-brainers: Not a ton. Three linebackers -- Teddy Lehman, Alvin Bowen and Tony Gilbert -- of a weak group of reserves didn’t make it and another (Kyle Bosworth) was placed on IR.

What’s next: Work at safety, first and foremost. The Jaguars will be thorough in their examination and consideration of the waiver wire and free agents. They have room at the back of the roster for upgrades. After safety, look for linebacker to be the spot that gets the most attention as the Jaguars have just five on the roster.

Some bullet-point thoughts on the Jaguars’ 13-9 preseason win over Atlanta on Thursday night.

• With Anthony Smith among the players held out, Courtney Greene got a start at strong safety. He nailed running back Antone Smith, forcing and recovering a fumble. The Jaguars forced three fumbles, recovering two.
• Rookie fullback Brock Bolen completed his bid for a roster spot with a 16-yard scoring run, the only touchdown of the game.
• Josh Scobee hit field goals of 40 and 49 yards to complete a perfect preseason (nine of nine).
• Jacksonville’s average drive start was the 32-yard line, 10 yards better than Atlanta’s.
• The offense was just three for 14 on third down.
• The defense didn’t record a sack.

Three things I’ll be looking for in Falcons at Jaguars:

A clue at guard: If Jack Del Rio rolls out starters for a token appearance, and he should, we will get a look at what should be the starting offensive line. One starting guard spot is not known publicly. It appears it’s either Vince Manuwai at right guard or Kynan Forney at left guard with Uche Nwaneri filling the other side in either scenario.

Long shot bids: First impressions are ancient. Last impressions can’t do anything but help a guy’s cause as decision-makers sit down to make cuts. Players like fullback Brock Bolen, receiver John Matthews, offensive tackle Kevin Haslam and defensive tackle Leger Douzable each will have enough time on the field to make that solid final bid.

Linebacker depth: The Jaguars have been dinged up at linebacker, and it’s tested their depth. Russell Allen is a definite part of this team, but what’s after that? Teddy Lehman, Alvin Bowen, Tony Gilbert, Kyle Bosworth and even Rod Wilson have one final chance to make a good showing, move up the stack and improve the chance of sticking. However it shakes out, I still think the Jaguars will be shopping for linebacker depth on the waiver wire.

The Jaguars have a sellout, so Thursday night north Florida will be able to see a home game for the first time this season. Please hold any NFL Network availability cracks -- it’ll be broadcast by the local Fox affiliate, too.

So here is the big moment for Jack Del Rio’s team, overachievers who have been outscored by 52 points this season but have scrapped, survived inconsistency and positioned themselves at 7-6 to be the AFC’s sixth playoff team.

To maintain that status, the Jaguars must do something no other team has done this season: beat the Colts. A young Jaguars team came close on opening day at Lucas Oil Stadium, dropping a 14-12 decision. Now we get to see how much better the Jaguars measure up against a team they want to emulate.

“Our goal is certainly to become what they are," first-year general manager Gene Smith told me last week. “That’s what we’re striving for.”

A year ago in a Thursday night game in Jacksonville, Peyton Manning clinched his third MVP award.

The Jaguars have struggled to pressure the passer most of the season and hardly have a loaded secondary. As in all games against the Colts, Jacksonville's methods for slowing the quarterback will be a major theme.

Here are half a dozen other things I’ll be watching for or conscious of at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium:

Who benefits from the short preparation week?

Given less time to prepare, I lean in favor of the team with more weapons all the time. The Colts are stacked in that category. I’d rank Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Austin Collie, Joseph Addai and Pierre Garcon as playmakers who belong in the “dangerous” or “extra dangerous” category. I’m not sure, even if Rashean Mathis is back from his groin injury, the Jaguars have enough quality defensive backs to slow those weapons.

The Jaguars, meanwhile, have only two players who fit the category based on resume and production: Maurice Jones-Drew and Mike Sims-Walker.

The team that has more to figure out how to defend is at a disadvantage in a short week. I also think the Jaguars were involved in a more physical game in last Sunday’s loss to Miami than the Colts were in a win over Denver.

How much do the Colts rest?

The company line is they’ll play like usual with some exceptions for guys who are injured. Cornerback Jerraud Powers was on the early list of players who are out, and defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis didn’t practice this week and are questionable. Take the two pass-rushers and a key coverage guy out of the mix and the Colts are hardly the same defense. But Raheem Brock can be productive as an edge rusher and Keyunta Dawson would be in line for his most playing time.

Rookie tackles Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton, terrorized in Week 1 by Freeney and Mathis, will be pleased. If they can offer better protection and give David Garrard some time to make good decisions, the Jaguars have a much improved chance.

Fourth-down action

Before going for it on fourth down came into such vogue this year, Del Rio was already aggressive with it. This season the Jaguars have converted half of their 16 tries.

The Colts have been a very good fourth-down defense this season, especially recently. We all remember the Patriots' failed fourth-down attempt deep in their own territory when trying to preserve a late lead back on Nov. 15.

According to ESPN Stats & Information ace Marty Callinan, Indy has allowed just one fourth-down conversion in 11 attempts over its last nine games.

Houston converted a fourth-and-1 in Week 9. Since then, it’s five consecutive games for Indy without allowing one. In the last two games, the Titans and Broncos each tried unsuccessfully three times.

Overall, the Colts' fourth-down defense has held offenses to a 29.4 percent conversion rate.

If it comes down to a kicker…

Josh Scobee's just 16-of-24 on field goals this year for the Jaguars. His big leg would figure to be the best thing going for him, but he’s only 5-of-12 from 40 yards or longer this season. Jacksonville needs him to hit everything he’s asked to try in this one.

The Colts know they aren’t going to get great distance out of Matt Stover, who’s in his 20th year. He’s hit two of three tries over 40 yards in seven games. Get him inside of 40 and he’s the guy in this game I’d rather take my chances with.

Does MJD miss Greg Jones?

The Jaguars love their fullback, but Jones is out of this game with an ankle injury. That means special-teams ace Montell Owens or Brock Bolen, just signed off the practice squad, will be leading the way for Jacksonville’s best weapon. In seven games against Indy, Jones-Drew has an average of 6 yards a carry, five games of at least 91 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

His eight total touchdowns -- six rushing, one receiving and one as a returner -- are the most against the Colts by any individual since 2006.

Minimal flags

The Jaguars are the league’s least penalized team (62), and the Colts are tied for second (63).

Let’s hope we didn’t just jinx that and assure ourselves of a sloppier, slower game.

Houston Texans

The Texans' run game is going in circles, says John McClain.

“Had the Texans stepped up and did what they did Sunday just once more this season we would be talking about realistic playoff possibilities. Twice more and they would control their postseason destiny.” Jerome Solomon on what could have been.

Rookie tight end Anthony Hill is out with a torn ACL, says McClain.

Re-watching the game with Alan Burge.

A look at the run-game disappointments from Battle Red Blog.

Indianapolis Colts

Jim Caldwell says healthy Colts starters will play in Jacksonville, says Mike Chappell.

With a Thursday night game looming, the Colts had no time to celebrate a record day, says Phil Richards.

Bill Polian allows himself to be impressed by the Colts record for wins in a decade, says John Oehser. Here’s his rundown of Polian’s weekly radio show.

Jim Irsay intends to have a new deal in place for Peyton Manning before next season, says Clark Judge.

Where does Jim Caldwell fit in the coach of the year debate, asks Deshawn Zombie.

The idea that the Chargers have the Colts’ number is way overblown, says Zombie. Really intelligent stuff here.

Defer to the Colts on the coin toss at your own risk, says D.J. Zaccagnini.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars have sold enough tickets to avoid the blackout, reports Chet Fussman.

Jacksonville waived Brian Witherspoon and added fullback Brock Bolen from the practice squad, which may indicate something about the status of the injured Greg Jones.

Every team with a quarterback 30 or older needs a quarterback of the future, says Vic Ketchman.

It’s David versus Goliath, says Gil Samson.

Tennessee Titans

Marshall Faulk is a Chris Johnson fan, say Jim Wyatt and Gary Estwick.

Vince Young got good news regarding his hamstring injury, says Wyatt.

The Titans have a playoff mindset about the Miami game, says Terry McCormick.

Eric Bakhtiari made a good impression, says Wyatt.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky

Houston

• Linebacker Buster Davis
• Running back Arian Foster
• Center Brett Helms
• Defensive end Tim Jamison
• Defensive end Jesse Nading
• Receiver Darnell Jenkins
• Cornerback Mark Parson
• Offensive tackle Adam Stenavich

Indianapolis (one spot to fill)

• Tight end Colin Cloherty
• Receiver Sam Giguere
• Defensive tackle John Gill
• Running back Mike Hart
• Receiver John Matthews
• Guard Jaimie Thomas
• Receiver Taj Smith

Jacksonville

• Receiver Tiquan Underwood
• Fullback Brock Bolen
• Guard Cameron Stephenson
• Center-guard Cecil Newton
• Running back Josh Vaughan
• Defensive end Jeremy Navarre
• Safety Michael Desormeaux
• Quarterback Richard Bartel

(Early version was courtesy of Michael C. Wright)

Tennessee

• Guard Ryan Durand
• Fullback Rodney Ferguson
• Defensive tackle Mitch King
• Receiver Phillip Morris
• Safety Nick Schommer
• Offensive lineman Fernando Velasco
• Receiver Paul Williams

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

The Jaguars cuts, just announced by the team:

Tight end Richard Angulo

Safety Marlon McCree

Running back Alvin Pearman

Offensive lineman Tony Pashos

Linebacker Tim Shaw

Running back Chauncey Washington

Punter Steve Weatherford

Defensive back Brian Williams

Linebacker Thomas Williams

Long snapper Joe Zelenka

Wide receiver Tiquan Underwood

Quarterback Todd Boeckman

Fullback Brock Bolen

Safety Michael Desormeaux

Cornerback Pete Ittersagen

Defensive end Jeremy Navarre

Center Cecil Newton

Wide receiver Todd Peterson

Guard Cameron Stephenson

Running back Josh Vaughan

Linebacker Johnny Williams

The team also placed defensive tackle Rob Meier (shoulder) on injured reserve.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Running back Rashad Jennings was rated as highly as a second-rounder by some, but fell far on draft weekend, lasting until the seventh round, when Jacksonville snagged him with the 250th overall pick.

"Rashad Jennings is a big, strong, powerful running back," coach Jack Del Rio said after the draft. "We had him at the Senior Bowl, he had a good week for us. Not sure why he found himself sitting there at the bottom of the seventh round, but he was and we saw an opportunity to add a guy and we think he'll come in and compete for a spot."

Jennings, listed at 6-foot-1 and 231 pounds, impressed some observers at the Jaguars' minicamp last weekend and Maurice Jones-Drew said he already knew the big back out of Liberty from early offseason training at Perfect Competition in Miami.

"He trained at the same facility that I was training at," Jones-Drew said in a transcript from the weekend. "...I lived with him when I was down training so I know a bunch about him. He's a good guy. He's a big guy at that, and I can't call him a kid because I'm only two days older than him. He's a big man so he's definitely going to help us in the running game."

Somewhat remarkably, Jones-Drew, who's heading into his fourth season, just turned 24 on March 23 and Jennings' 24th birthday was actually three days later. While Jones-Drew left UCLA early, Jennings started off at Pitt, transferred to Liberty and played all four years. Still, that's a significant gap and Jennings comes into the league as an old rookie.

Heading into the second day of the draft, I thought Jennings might be a player headed for the AFC South, but tabbed him as a prospect for Houston, not Jacksonville. The Texans didn't draft a big running back to go with Steve Slaton, and will evaluate two rookie free agents and watch the waiver wire, perhaps for a player like Denver's Ryan Torain.

The Texans either didn't think Jennings was a good fit for Alex Gibbs' system, consistently found higher-rated players available or both.

Jacksonville let Fred Taylor go with the intent of featuring Jones-Drew. The Jaguars also plan on giving some carries to fullback Greg Jones. With Taylor and Jones on IR, the Jaguars finished 2008 with four running backs on their roster -- Jones-Drew, Chauncey Washington, Alvin Pearman and backup fullback and special teams ace Montell Owens.

Jones-Drew, Jones and Owens are locks. Jennings will compete with Pearman, who signed with the team on Dec. 11 after the injuries hit, and Washington, a 2008 seventh-rounder, as the team sorts out roster spots and roles.

Pearman seems like an insurance policy for the two youngsters. Washington played in six games as a rookie, getting just four carries he turned into 9 yards.

The Jaguars also have two undrafted fullbacks, Kyle Bell and Brock Bolen, and an undrafted running back, Mike McLendon, currently on their roster.