QB Bortles could be making last start for Jaguars

Houston Texans: The Texans take a second shot at winning the AFC South on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and star defensive end J.J. Watt is ready for the task. Watt said he quickly put last Sunday's failure to clinch against the Philadelphia Eagles in the past. He also remembers how Houston was 0-3 to start the season, so an opportunity to win the division in Week 17 feels extra special. "We've done a lot of good things over the course of those games since we were 0-3, but we have to make sure we do what we need to do to make sure that doesn't all go to waste," Watt told reporters. "All the work that we put in over the last couple of months, we have to make sure that we make all of that work count. We have to go out there on Sunday and take care of our business and obviously (keep) trying to do that moving forward."

Indianapolis Colts: Starting middle linebacker Anthony Walker (shoulder) missed last week's win over the New York Giants and is hoping to play in this Sunday night's pivotal clash against the Tennessee Titans. Walker was on the practice field Wednesday but wearing a red, no-contact jersey. Walker has been superb with 103 tackles -- second behind outside linebacker Darius Leonard (155) -- and has 10 stops for loss in 14 games (13 starts). The progress of tight end Eric Ebron (concussion) and center Ryan Kelly (neck) will be observed closely this week. Ebron is in the NFL protocol while Kelly's status won't likely be firmed up until later in the week. Receiver T.Y. Hilton (ankle) is expected to play in Sunday's contest.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Quarterback Blake Bortles was named the starter for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans in what could be his final game in five seasons with the franchise. Bortles lost the starting gig to Cody Kessler after Week 11 but coach Doug Marrone said he likes Bortles' mobility and that was the deciding part in returning to him. Safety Tashaun Gipson was among the players happy about the decision. "I've been a huge Blake supporter since the beginning," Gipson told reporters. "Through everything, he has kept an even keel. He's been a mature guy and still been the same kind of guy around the locker room. ... Even more so, giving him the chance to go out there and start Sunday and giving us the best chance to win -- nothing against Cody -- but it's awesome for a guy like (Bortles)."

Tennessee Titans: A must-win game looms Sunday versus the Colts, and quarterback Marcus Mariota is hoping to be on the field. He departed Saturday's game against the Washington Redskins with a stinger and missed Wednesday's practice while receiving heavy treatment. "Finding every way I can to be available, and we're just going to take it one day at a time," Mariota told reporters. "Of course I am optimistic. This is what it is about -- you are playing for everything. I am doing everything I can, day and night, to try and make sure that I can be ready." Mariota was listed on the team's injury report with neck and foot injures and he said he is willing to take it up until game time before a decision is rendered. Titans coach Mike Vrabel said he is hopeful Mariota can practice Thursday.

--Field Level Media

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