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Check here for a complete list of the Indianapolis Colts' roster moves.

Surprise moves: Tommie Harris seemed to play well enough to stick, but the former first-round defensive tackle apparently wanted to be treated like the team’s top defensive linemen and the team didn’t like the attitude. Defensive end John Chick had solid games but couldn’t get past Jerry Hughes. Undrafted rookie tight end Mike McNeill made it, as did four others who were not April selections: running backs Darren Evans and Chad Spann, linebacker Adrian Moten and safety Joe Lefeged.

No-brainers: Veteran additions on defense made good impressions in the preseason and are sticking around -- ends Jamaal Anderson and Tyler Brayton and linebacker Ernie Sims. Anthony Gonzalez may be injury prone, but none of the other options at receiver is a better player.

What’s next: They’ve got only four defensive tackles in Fili Moala, Antonio Johnson, Eric Foster and Drake Nevis. It could be a spot where they look to add or upgrade on Foster. Offensive linemen Mike Pollak and Jamey Richard will have to prove they deserved to stick ahead of Kyle DeVan.

A running list of Saturday cuts around the AFC South so far, per reports from people in the know…

Houston

• LB Xavier Adibi
• WR Dorin Dickerson
• DE Damione Lewis
• TE Anthony Hill

Indianapolis

• DT Tommie Harris
• DT Ricardo Matthews
• TE Michael Matthews
• WR Taj Smith
• DE John Chick
• QB Dan Orlovsky
• LB Kerry Neal
• G Kyle DeVan
• RB Javarris James
• P Travis Baltz

Jacksonville

• OT Daniel Baldridge
• DE Larry Hart
• DL Andrew Lewis
• CB Terrence Wheatley
• CB Jalil Johnson
• LB Mike Lockley

Tennessee

• WR Justin Gage
• DE Jacob Ford
• S Vincent Fuller
• S Robert Johnson
• OT Adam Terry

Cut questions as we wait for news on who’s in and who’s out …

Houston Texans

I’ve confirmed outside linebacker Xavier Adibi will be released, which is a surprise. The Texans are going younger at the spot, which could mean good things for undrafted Bryan Braman. He is raw and probably best suited for the practice squad, but may have done too much to risk cutting first. Can Steve Slaton stick? Odds are against him as he ranks as the team’s fourth back, at best. But he’s got to be a hard guy to let go even after a preseason limited by injury. He’ll be scooped up for sure by a team in need at the position. And he likely still qualifies as one of the team’s best 53 players.

Indianapolis Colts

I know a lot of fans want to see the end for players like Donald Brown, Jerry Hughes and Anthony Gonzalez. But we must ask who are the better options? I’m not sure about Gonzalez, but I suspect that Brown and Hughes are on this team. One guy we presume to have made it who might not is veteran defensive tackle Tommie Harris. One guy we presume not to have made it who might is undrafted rookie tight end Mike McNeill.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Former sixth-round pick Scotty McGee, a return specialist, was among the cuts we learned of Friday. They also included undrafted receivers Armon Binns and Dontrelle Inman. Does that mean another receiver, Jamar Newsome, separated himself and will make it? A team that loves to keep an undrafted guy or two may not this time around. Larry Hart, a 2010 fifth-round defensive end, is probably in trouble.

Tennessee Titans

There looks to be a battle for a backup safety slot between Vincent Fuller, Robert Johnson and Anthony Smith. I wish I had a better feel and could pick a favorite there, but I can’t. It’s a tough call to whittle down from seven receivers, too. Can recent addition Kevin Curtis dislodge Justin Gage and does the team still have patience for Lavelle Hawkins? I can’t see Gage getting cut, even though he is due $3.5 million. Linebacker Rennie Curran sounded like a goner in Mike Munchak’s news conference Friday.

Five of us asked to pick the AFC South still have the Colts winning the division.

While Peyton Manning is the big story and his status can change things, once he’s back he will be surrounded by a team that has a lot of key pieces back and healthy. Don't fool yourself. This will be a very talented team.

Here’s my intelligence report on Indianapolis. You can find it along with the predictions, a draft element from Mel Kiper and a look inside the number from ESPN Stats & Information here.

Intelligence Report

Five things you need to know about the Colts:

1. Quarterback uncertainty: A lot of people are saying Peyton Manning will start the opener, no matter what. Really? No matter whether doctors advise against it? I don't think so. He's driven, for sure, but he's not putting himself at medical risk. I expect we may not know his status until 90 minutes before the Sept. 11 game in Houston kicks off. In the meantime, late addition Kerry Collins provides an upgrade at backup. He needs better protection and a better run game than Manning's been getting in recent years to have a chance at success.

2. Stopping the run is key: The Colts failed to stop Arian Foster in the opener a year ago. They'll face the same challenge at Reliant Stadium on Sept. 11, followed by Peyton Hillis, Rashard Mendenhall, LeGarrette Blount and Jamaal Charles. Is the front good enough to stop those types of runners? It needs to be, especially if the offense isn't primed to run out to the sort of leads that prompt opponents to stop running it. Additions like Drake Nevis, Jamaal Anderson and Tommie Harris may help the front be better overall.

3. Special teams, with benefits: The new kickoff rule won't make kickoffs obsolete the way many doomsayers are predicting, but it certainly will make them less important. This is a great thing for the Colts, who regularly underachieve on special teams. Pat McAfee will bury a high percentage of kickoffs in the end zone and the team's lack of a consistent return man won't matter as much. When Manning is in place, the offense will happily take the ball at the 20-yard line at the start of most drives in exchange for not suffering as it did on Antonio Cromartie's big return late in the playoff loss to the Jets. McAfee's used that big leg to become adequate at long-range field goals. Once they are out of Adam Vinatieri's range, they could try the punter in desperate situations.

4. Depth a concern: Indianapolis has unproven depth at both safety and corner, and injuries akin to last year's could really leave the Colts exposed. They let Kelvin Hayden go in a salary-cutting move. That leaves them with Jerraud Powers, Jacob Lacey and Justin Tryon as their top-three corners, with untested Kevin Thomas fourth. They re-signed Melvin Bullitt to play safety alongside Antoine Bethea, but all the options behind them are young and haven't done much. It could be an issue.

5. Short-yardage offense: Joseph Addai can be effective in all situations, but he'd likely benefit and be fresher later in the season if he played fewer snaps. When the Colts are moving the ball, they go no-huddle and trap opponents in personnel packages, unable to substitute. The thing is, they are also unable to substitute. The Colts might do well to pause a bit more often to get rookie Delone Carter on the field to give them their best cracks on third-and-short and near the goal line.

Reading the coverage …

Peyton Manning’s health could have a bearing on Gary Kubiak and Jack Del Rio says Len Pasquarelli.

Houston Texans

The Texans have avoided serious injuries, says John McClain.

Mario Williams was a factor in San Francisco despite no stats, says John McClain.

Says McClain: “I believe this season is going to be another wild ride, but I think they’ll win tough games at the end rather than blow them like last season.”

The Texans’ offensive line is underrated, say Aaron Schatz in this Insider piece.

Alan Burge rewatched the game with an eye on Williams.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts' veteran additions -- Ernie Sims, Jamaal Anderson, Tommie Harris and Tyler Brayton -- are getting good reviews, says Phil Richards.

Stampede Blue puts together a 53-man roster without Donald Brown, Jerry Hughes, Anthony Gonzalez, Mike Pollak and Curtis Painter. You can make a case against all of them, but I can’t see the Colts lopping off so many young, drafted guys.

Considering defenders on the bubble with Brett Mock.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars hope the return of several veterans puts the team back on a good track, says Vito Stellino.

Rod Issac’s been working at safety and his status will shake out this week, says John Oehser.

Tennessee Titans

Mike Munchak listens to input, then owns his decisions, writes David Boclair.

The Titans are ready to get Kenny Britt going, says Jim Wyatt.

The passing game had timing issues, says John Glennon.

Tennessee will be thin at defensive end for the preseason finale, says Glennon.

With Kerry Collins on the roster and poised to take over as the primary backup to Peyton Manning, Curtis Painter fared much better working with the Colts’ offense.

In a 24-21 loss to Green Bay at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday night, the Packers utilized one defensive element Manning typically helps Indianapolis avoid: the blitz.
Manning is masterful at making teams pay when they subtract from coverage to add to the rush. But Green Bay rolled out a steady stream of blitzes, many of which featured cornerback Charles Woodson, with no fear of such repercussions from Painter.

Indy’s offensive line is still being sorted out, and the group didn’t do particularly well or get particularly good help in minimizing the pressure. Painter didn’t get hit so much as he had to hurry, and he was hardly at his best in such circumstances.

Desmond Bishop got flagged for roughing on one blitz, and Painter threw a ball away when Woodson looped between left tackle Anthony Castonzo and left guard Joe Reitz untouched. Another time, the quarterback made a nice throw to Reggie Wayne, who had a favorable matchup as Woodson came untouched.

No. 2 running back Donald Brown actually did reasonably well in blitz pickups, I thought, managing to keep himself between rushers and the quarterback on a couple of occasions. Still that rusher frequently contributed to a closing pocket.

The right side of the starting line, guard Ryan Diem and tackle Jeffrey Linkenbach, struggled with Clay Matthews, whose speed was more than they could handle.

Not every team is equipped to blitz the way the Packers are. But if it’s Collins instead of Manning on Sept. 11 in Houston, odds are the Texans will blitz more often and with less fear. And the Colts and Collins will have to be prepared to handle it.

Some other thoughts on what was nearly a rare Colts preseason win:

• While Painter was better, it took a blown coverage that left Wayne wide open for a 57-yard touchdown to get him going. His second touchdown pass, to Chris Brooks, was very nice. Earlier Painter suffered because of a drop by Wayne and another by Pierre Garcon.
• Ernie Sims was active in a lot of first-half action, his first since he signed with the Colts. Tommie Harris played for the second time, and made some plays with a sack and a tipped pass.
• Jermichael Finley's touchdown catch on Pat Angerer was great. Angerer was tight but not turned. There aren’t many linebackers who could make a play against that.
• According to CBS, Robert Mathis injured his hamstring in the first quarter hamstring and did not return. His counterpart at end, Dwight Freeney, made things very difficult on Green Bay tackle Chad Clifton, bulling over him a few times before using the patented spin move.
• Diem, who false started too much last season at right guard, got called for one. An injury forced him from the game for a time, but he returned to action. Mike Pollak stepped in briefly. Jeff Saturday was the lone offensive lineman who didn’t play into the third quarter, as Pollak replaced him. Then the second-team offensive line was, left to right, Michael Toudouze, Kyle DeVan, Jamey Richard, Mike Tepper and Ben Ijalana. Richard was flagged for holding but it was declined.
• I expect good things out of rookie running back Delone Carter, mostly because I very much like the idea of Carter. This team needs a short-yardage goal-line back. He was hardly working against front line defenders, I understand. But he not only got a tough yard -- converting a third-and-1 when there was nothing there -- but he had a couple of nice longer runs. A lost fumble was overturned by challenge, and a wide run with a spin move suggested he can be more than just a between-the-tackles pounder. He did look lost in one pass-protection situation.
• Defensive back Chip Vaughn was waved off the field by Jim Caldwell after back-to-back penalties. After an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty worth 15 yards and a taunting penalty worth 11 yards, the Colts gave up a touchdown and a two-point conversion, lost an onside kick and saw Green Bay move to a game-winning field goal. Vaughn will not have a good weekend. And the Colts just about refuse to win in the preseason.

Scouts Inc. continues to share their preseason lists ranking players by position. I’m sure you’ll find a great deal to debate about the placement of AFC South players. I know I have some issues.

Here’s our look with my one big impression:

Defensive ends

4) Dwight Freeney

5) Mario Williams (not an outside linebacker)

9) Robert Mathis

22) Aaron Kampman

26) Matt Roth

34) Antonio Smith

54) William Hayes

57) Jacob Ford

70) Tyler Brayton

79) Dave Ball

81) Jeremy Mincey

85) Jamaal Anderson

90) Connor Barwin

91) Tim Bulman

108) Jerry Hughes

116) Derrick Morgan

I think: Potential didn’t score much here for guys like Barwin, Hughes or Morgan.

Defensive tackles

20) Jason Jones (now an end)

24) Tyson Alualu

32) Tommie Harris

33) Terrance Knighton

51) Shaun Cody

52) Shaun Smith

53) Fili Moala

61) Jovan Haye

83) Earl Mitchell

84) Antonio Johnson

85) Eric Foster

100) Sen’Derrick Marks

I think: Alualu and Knighton are too low, and Harris in front of Knighton is crazy.

Linebackers

13) Daryl Smith

25) Paul Posluszny

28) DeMeco Ryans

35) Brian Cushing

36) Gary Brackett

43) Barrett Ruud

57) Will Witherspoon

67) Clint Session

85) Pat Angerer

107) Ernie Sims

127) Daryl Sharpton

129) Gerald McRath

146) Philip Wheeler

I think: Titans rookie Akeem Ayers will end the season ranked ahead of Ruud and Witherspoon.

Safeties

10) Michael Griffin

14) Danieal Manning

15) Antoine Bethea

20) Chris Hope

32) Dawan Landry

36) Melvin Bullitt

88) Courtney Greene

92) Jordan Babineaux

97) Vincent Fuller

99) Troy Nolan

103) Anthony Smith

I think: Bethea rarely makes mistakes and is a sure tackler. He’s consistently underrated.

Cornerbacks

13) Cortland Finnegan

17) Johnathan Joseph

21) Rashean Mathis

41) Kareem Jackson

47) Glover Quin (now a safety)

76) Alterraun Verner

85) Jerraud Powers

94) Derek Cox

93) Jason Allen

96) Jacob Lacey

97) Drew Coleman

101) Jason McCourty

I think: I wouldn’t have guessed that the Texans would have the highest rated pair of starters and I don’t feel good about Jackson’s spot.

ANDERSON, Ind. -- It’s trendy to call the Colts aging and to view the Texans and even the Jaguars as up-and-comers in the AFC South.

But if Indianapolis is healthy, it’s awfully risky to be ahead of the curve regarding its demise.

This is a team that lost a ton of talent to injury last season and still won the division at 10-6. It’s added some nice pieces on defense through bargain-basement free-agency. It drafted two offensive tackles who should be pillars, and also selected a short-yardage back.

There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about a big rebound year, and most teams aren’t even talking rebound when it comes to following a division title.

“I think it’s really the same team,” middle linebacker Gary Brackett said.

The same team is a major threat to win the division and compete for home-field advantage in the playoffs. Should it break through for the third Super Bowl appearance of the Peyton Manning era, a huge prize awaits: The game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium.

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Manning’s health.

He spoke after signing his contract and has been seen around the team a couple of times during training camp at Anderson University. But like in 2008 following offseason knee surgeries, he’s not practicing.

This time it’s a result of neck surgery in May. It’s the second year in a row Manning had a neck procedure after the season. But he and the team have expressed confidence that all he needs is time and rehabilitation. It’s unlikely that a five-year, $90 million contract would have gotten done if the medical staff and management had any doubts.

While the Colts move forward without Manning, his absence also puts them in limbo. No matter how strongly they spin Curtis Painter’s performance, the defense isn’t being pushed in practice the way it would be if Manning was running the other side.

And no matter how precise the routes, how good the blocking or how well-timed the play, the offense will still need to sync it all up with the star quarterback once he returns.

That knee in 2008 limited him early, when the team struggled out of the gate. Coming back from a neck injury, Manning is less likely to have any sort of mechanical issues or physical limitations that affect his passing. That’s one case for expecting a better start after so much missed time.

The timetable for his return is unknown. You know the drill: They say he’s progressing well, that they are optimistic, etc., and no one outside a very tight circle has any real idea when he will re-emerge. He was spotted once throwing with what a witness called “decent velocity.” Hey, encouraging news is encouraging news.

2. Is the secondary deep enough?

Last season, the Colts were stretched virtually everywhere. Aaron Francisco wasn’t on the team for opening day, ranking as the fourth or fifth option at strong safety, and he played a good share of the season as the starter.

Behind free safety Antoine Bethea and re-signed and healthy strong safety Melvin Bullitt, there are unproven options including Al Afalava, Joe Lefeged, Mike Newton, David Caldwell and Chip Vaughn.

And after the top three corners -- Jerraud Powers, Justin Tryon and Jacob Lacey -- there also isn’t proven depth.

“At the safety position, I’m confident that we’re going to get two guys that will emerge there,” Colts vice chairman Bill Polian said. “We see enough signs to know that there is quality in that group.

“I also think there is some quality in the backup corners. Kevin Thomas is one of them. There are some interesting guys, and they’ll play themselves on or off the roster based on the preseason. But based on what I’ve seen thus far, I’d say we’ve got a good group and one or two guys will emerge.”

They will all benefit, of course, from a better pass rush. And if Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are better supplemented by Jerry Hughes and Jamaal Anderson on the edges and Tommie Harris provides a solid nickel push in the middle, they could have one.

3. Will the passing game have enough consistent weapons?

The ability of the 2010 Colts to get production from the likes of tight end Jacob Tamme and receiver Blair White was remarkable.

But if they can’t count on often-injured receiver Anthony Gonzalez or Austin Collie, who was shut down last season after concussion issues, it will be harder to make things go again.

Reggie Wayne is in fantastic shape and working hard, and will be a key target for Manning as always. Dallas Clark is back from a wrist injury. If the Colts are calling plays for those two and Pierre Garcon, Collie and Gonzalez, they can be potent. If the group shrinks, the effort is more exhausting.

Manning averaged 6.92 yards per attempt in 2010. That’s the lowest mark in his career outside of his rookie season (6.5). The Colts need to find more big plays and move the ball with a little less effort to be the kind of team they want to be.

BIGGEST SURPRISE

If the Colts get a significant contribution out of Anderson, Harris or linebacker Ernie Sims, it’ll be a win. All three signed cost-effective one-year deals that amount to low-risk, high-reward scenarios. Polian said in a normal year, the market wouldn’t have given the team an opportunity to sign players like these, veterans who are all ideally suited for Indy’s defense. If they get something from two of them, it will make for a home run. Three-for-three amounts to a grand slam. Harris looks very good so far, while Sims is recovering from an appendectomy.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

Polian was singing Philip Wheeler’s praises and saying that while the team loves starting strongside linebacker Pat Angerer, it loves Wheeler too. But he failed to hold the job last season and should be able to win and hold a starting job by now. Brody Eldridge gets a mention, too. He had knee surgery after last season, and a setback means he hasn’t seen the practice field yet. They need him to be part of the run game.

OBSERVATION DECK

• Delone Carter is coming into a perfect situation as a rookie. He’s unlike any of the Colts' other running backs and should get chances in short yardage and goal-line situations. If Javarris James ran for six touchdowns last season, Carter could run for 12 this fall. The Colts can continue to praise Donald Brown, but with Joseph Addai back and Carter in the fold, when does Brown get on the field?
• It was a surprise to find Lacey as the No. 2 cornerback at the start of camp. He was better as a rookie than in his second season. And he can be an effective piece of the secondary. But I’d bet on Tryon passing him before opening day.
• After one long and hot afternoon practice session, two players stuck around to catch machine-thrown balls: Wayne and Bethea. Those are some solid veterans and the kind of guys any team would like to have leading the way.
• Manning didn’t react well to TV crews that saw a recent throwing and running session. My understanding is that the Earth is still spinning, however. I understand being private, but everything and everyone cannot always be controlled. Did I miss the catastrophic outcome?
• The buzz is good on Hughes, and with him and Anderson in the mix, the Colts may pace Freeney and Mathis better. That could make for fresher stars in December and January.
• They won’t talk until after the season, but as of now I’d expect the Colts to try to keep both Wayne and Mathis with new contracts.
• Jacques McClendon or Joe Reitz could be an upgrade over Kyle DeVan at left guard. The big question on the line to me -- presuming Anthony Castonzo takes over left tackle reasonably quickly -- is right guard. Mike Pollak has had sufficient opportunity, and the team can aspire to be better there. Couldn’t they be better with Ben Ijalana there until he’s ready to displace Ryan Diem at right tackle?
• 'Tis the season for Garcon to prove he's a consistently reliable threat. He had too many drops and too many lapses last season. He needs to be more than fast. He spent more time with Manning this offseason, before the neck surgery, than he did last offseason.

ANDERSON, Ind. -- Some items of note from conversations I had this morning with Bill Polian and Jim Caldwell. (Name dropping, one can’t help it during training camp.)

The 46th spot: Game day active rosters will now be 46 players, not 45 plus a designated third quarterback. Ultimately it will give a team like the Colts an extra special teamer.

But at the start Polian said it’s probably going to be used in an unexpected way.

“In our case, now because of Peyton [Manning's] situation, we’ll probably have to carry a third quarterback,” he said. “We’ve never done it before really, we’ve had that guy on the practice squad. Absent an injury to one of your quarterbacks I think the 46th guy is a good thing for the game, it gives you primarily an extra guy to play special teams.”

Polian said Curtis Painter has been “terrific” as Manning’s fill-in, making every throw. (I've seen him make a lot of good throws, but a lot of hard throws that haven't found the intended target.) Dan Orlovsky is the head candidate for a third spot right now.

Ben Ijalana: Polian said he doesn’t expect second-round offensive linemen to play any guard. He’s running as the No. 2 right tackle to Ryan Diem.

“I think you put him at tackle and let him go,” Polian said. “The young ones will ready when they are ready, and then they will get on the field. They certainly have enough talent, that’s obvious.”

Caldwell, though, said there are no absolutes, and left open all possibilities. He said it’s about getting the best guys on the field and reminded me that Diem played guard before he shifted over to tackle.

I think it’ll depend on how Diem and whoever the right guard is are doing.

Adding free agents: The labor agreement created a market that was advantageous for the Colts and allowed them to add three defensive free agents on one-year contracts.

The addition of Jamaal Anderson, Tommie Harris and Ernie Sims “shore some things up with more firepower,” Caldwell said.

Polian said the market was simply one that allowed the Colts to go a place that usually couldn’t, or that usually doesn’t exist.

“Guys were looking for jobs,” Polian said. “Agents weren’t looking to make markets, guys were looking for jobs. It was a different situation; we recognized it and these are three guys that fit perfectly for us.”

“I’m not sure that that presents itself in a more stable, traditional marketplace.”

Nose tackles: Polian said he felt good about Antonio Johnson and Drake Nevis as the team's nose tackle, suggesting he isn't looking for anyone else.

ANDERSON, Ind. – A first look at the Colts’ first unofficial depth chart gives us some nuggets to consider:

• Jacques McClendon is the starting left guard over Joe Reitz, though they’ve practiced in the other order.
• The base offense is three wide, with Austin Collie in what’s technically the H-back spot.
• Tommie Harris is fifth at left defensive tackle, a spot he’ll surely move up from.
• Rookie Drake Nevis is the No. 2 left defensive tackle behind Fili Moala.
• Eric Foster is the No. 2 right defensive tackle behind Antonio Johnson.
• Undrafted rookie Joe Lefeged is backing up Melvin Bullitt at strong safety.
• Al Afalava is backing up Antoine Bethea at free safety.
• Devin Moore is the punt returner.
• Undrafted David Gilreath is the punt returner.

ANDERSON, Ind. -- Some quick, initial impressions from the first practice of Colts training camp I watched…

• Joe Reitz, who’s listed as a tackle, continues to work at left guard ahead of Jacques McClendon. He lined up with left tackle Jeff Linkenbach, center Jeff Saturday, right guard Mike Pollak and right tackle Ryan Diem to form the starting O-line.
• Justin Tryon ranks as the third corner right now, but count me among those who think he could wind up second. I watched him encourage and advise undrafted rookie Terrence Johnson during one-on-ones about being patient working against receiver Taj Smith. Good stuff.
• “Saturday,” a fan screamed and the center raised his fist before the rest of the line was delivered. “Thank you for the season.” He should hear that a lot based on his giant role in the CBA negotiations.
• It can't be a fun job to be the guy who holds up a three-ring pack of laminated sheets with the right package or play name on it to the camera before each play. But the coaches need to have some stuff labeled as “Alcatraz” of “Queso” when they review and look for landmarks of the sets.
• With Dwight Freeney out for the morning, the first-unit defensive line was, left to right, Jamaal Anderson, Fili Moala, Antonio Johnson and Robert Mathis.
• Special teams worked on punting out of the back of the end zone and the block team did well to get to one off of Pat McAfee’s foot. Special-teams coach Ray Rychleski didn’t care for close-but-no-cigar on another snap. Well, not even close, apparently. “Don’t go near the guy,"' he barked at one rusher. “You’re not even close. Block it or don’t go near him.” The broader point: Roughing the punter penalties kill.
• Watched some one-on-one pass rush and saw Tommie Harris win snaps against McClendon and Reitz. Anthony Castonzo and Ben Ijalana looked good to me. Drake Nevis and Jerry Hughes didn’t have a great period from what I could tell.
• Linebacker Ernie Sims is out two weeks after an appendectomy, according to Jim Caldwell.

Reading the coverage …

Houston Texans

Arian Foster developed a left hamstring issue in his first practice of training camp, says Dale Robertson.

Ben Tate is looking to make up for lost time, says Craig Malveaux.

DeMeco Ryans responded to the accusations that the Texans are soft, writes Robertson. I don't think they are soft, though their mental toughness is a fair question. But putting a non-player in pads and subjecting him to hits isn't the best way to disprove an accusation.

The Texans offense has a challenge going against the new 3-4 in practice, says Robertson.

Indianapolis Colts

Veterans such as Joseph Addai were happy to get involved again, says Mike Chappell.

Austin Collie is not going to dwell on concussions, says Chappell.

Getting to know Devin Moore.

Practice details from Phillip B. Wilson include a solid review of Tommie Harris’ pass-rushing work. It's one snapshot of one period, but still encouraging.

Fili Moala avoided jail time in a drunken-driving conviction.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Clint Session is focused on stopping the run and an MRI gave David Garrard good news, says Tania Ganguli.

As Josh Scobee heads into a contract year, Jack Del Rio’s looking for the kicker to hit 90 percent of his field goals, says Vito Stellino.

Aaron Kampman will play either side, says Ganguli. If he's the best rusher, I say he should be on the right, going against left tackles and coming from quarterbacks' blind sides. Don't overthink this and overcomplicate it.

Blaine Gabbert has the look of the real thing, says Pete Prisco.

The Jaguars have to be happy to be uninvolved in the Tim Tebow circus, says Gene Frenette.

Garrard should not be part of the scrimmage tonight, says Alfie Crow. Agreed.

Tennessee Titans

Akeem Ayers looks to be lining up as the franchise’s first rookie starting linebacker since Eddie Robinson in 1992, says John Glennon. Ayers shoud be out there openig day and I think he will be.

Jordan Babineaux looked comfortable from the start, says Jim Wyatt.

Frank Walker says he’s nasty, according to Glennon.

Derrick Mason is weighing his options.

Reading the coverage…

Houston Texans

Jacoby Jones is a prodigal son of a gun, says Richard Justice. (Great headline, Chronicle editors.)

Dorin Dickerson’s growth was helped by offseason work with Larry Fitzgerald.

Says Dale Robertson: “Maybe everyone having to keep their distance for the last six months will prove to be a positive. You couldn’t ask for a fresher start.”

Michael Lombardi doesn’t like the Texans' toughness, says David Barron.

Stephanie Stradley found Eric Winston’s reaction to the soft accusations.

Indianapolis Colts

Anthony Gonzalez; ‘This may be one of my last opportunities (with the Colts), if not the last opportunity." Mike Chappell’s story.

Tommie Harris isn’t much of a spin move guy, says Chappell.

Training camps are smarter now, says Bob Kravitz.

Tom Moore will be a good resource for the Jets offense, says Peter King. I do not buy the idea I’ve heard that he’ll be a big factor in helping New York deal with Peyton Manning.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Jack Del Rio started easing his new guys into the lineup Thursday, says Vito Stellino.

David Garrard should be OK and Aaron Kampman may switch sides, says Tania Ganguli.

Paul Posluszny’s transition bears watching, says Gene Frenette.

Brad Meester and Jaguars PR man Ryan Robinson have helped inspire 6-year-old Luke Akerstrom to walk again. Watch the attached video.

Blaine Gabbert could ultimately be a top five quarterback, says John Oehser.

Tennessee Titans

Matt Hasselbeck put down the sweet tea and got to work, says John Glennon.

Mild-mannered offensive coordinator Chris Palmer has a stern side, writes Jim Wyatt.

Jake Scott says players have issues with the HGH testing company, writes Glennon.

Kenny Britt is disappointed yoga didn’t help him avoid hamstring troubles, says Wyatt.

With a typical NFL calendar, there isn’t a whole lot of time before one season ends and players check back in with their teams.

This lockout year changes that.

And Tommie Harris, the Colts' new veteran defensive tackle who was plagued by injuries during his time with the Bears, told ESPN Radio Chicago that was a good thing for him.

“It just gave me an opportunity to really strengthen things that I didn’t have confidence in," Harris said. "When you go into a season, people really don’t know that we really have a month or almost two months off before we get right back at it. Before you have other guys touching on you, poking on you and telling you that they can fix this and they can fix that. To have an opportunity to have all my specialists look at me and check me out and everybody put together a game plan, a person that doesn’t work for the team but really works for you, that you paid, that’s the type of deal we went through and it helped a lot.”

It doesn’t sound like he had a great deal of trust in the Bears’ people at the end. They probably didn’t have a lot in him either. He was named to the Pro Bowl three times, but injuries, including knee and hamstring problems, contributed to disappointing production.

So he did his own thing and found an opportunity now. That’s the way it should work.

Harris said he was eager to stay with a team connected to the Lovie Smith tree, and that Carolina was the other best option for him. John Clayton says Harris got a $100,000 bonus as part of a one-year, $910,000 contract.

It couldn’t be more cost friendly.

For more from the interview and a link to the audio, head here.

Reading the coverage …

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Bubba Smith made his mark in a unique way, says Richard Justice.

Houston Texans

Welcome to the attitude readjustment portion of Texans training camp, where Kareem Jackson and the rest of the defensive backs are receiving extra attention, says Jeffrey Martin.

T.J. Yates had an accelerated learning curve while Matt Leinart had to sit out, says Craig Malveaux.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts free-agent action runs against their typical modus operandi, writes Mike Chappell.

Seven storylines to watch.

Young guys are getting their chances, says Phillip B. Wilson.

I talked with Dan Dakich on the radio in Indianapolis Wednesday.

Considering the free-agent movement with Nate Dunlevy.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Matt Turk’s life doesn’t need embellishment, writes Tania Ganguli.

Gene Smith can’t worry about his doubters, says Gene Frenette.

Blaine Gabbert shows at least one sign of special things at each practice, says John Oehser.

In case you missed it, my "Camp Confidential" from Jacksonville.

Tennessee Titans

Mike Munchak wants Saturday’s practice at LP Field to feel like a game, says Jim Wyatt.

Will adjusted kickoff rules impact Marc Mariani and the Titans’ return game, asks John Glennon.

The team’s current injury list, from Wyatt.

The Titans have agreed to the parameters of a deal with cornerback Frank Walker, but he has to pass a physical, says Wyatt.