Training camp will put the AFC South’s biggest unanswered questions under the microscope, from Houston’s latest offensive line rebuild to Daniel Jones’ recovery in Indianapolis, Jacksonville’s reshaped backfield and Tennessee’s all-in effort to accelerate Cam Ward’s development.
AFC South training camp preview: Texans, Colts, Jaguars and Titans
SEO Title: AFC South Training Camp Preview: Key 2026 NFL Storylines
SEO Description: A Sunday-desk look at the major 2026 training camp questions for the Texans, Colts, Jaguars and Titans, including quarterback health, roster battles and offseason additions.
Houston Texans: Protection and a return to form for C.J. Stroud
Houston’s camp will revolve around whether its rebuilt front can finally give Stroud a dependable pocket. The Texans’ offensive line struggled badly in 2025, and the club has again added major pieces in an attempt to prevent a repeat.
- Houston retained right guard Ed Ingram and will continue developing left tackle Aireontae Ersery, whose rookie year included encouraging flashes but uneven stretches.
- The Texans selected Keylan Rutledge in the first round, adding a player capable of working at center or guard.
- Veteran guard Wyatt Teller and right tackle Braden Smith arrived in free agency, although both have dealt with health concerns during their careers.
- Trent Brown and 2024 second-round selection Blake Fisher are expected to compete for tackle snaps, including the swing-tackle assignment.
- Evan Brown and fourth-round rookie Febechi Nwaiwu provide additional interior depth.
On paper, the group has more experience and talent than the line that repeatedly broke down last season. Camp performance, however, will determine whether that apparent improvement is real.
Stroud’s own play is tied directly to the protection question. After his outstanding 2023 rookie season, his production has declined in consecutive years. The low point came in the playoff loss to New England, when he threw four interceptions and completed 42.6 percent of his passes.
Behind inconsistent blocking, Stroud too often appeared to speed up his process even on snaps when he had enough time to throw. Houston needs him to recover the poise that made him one of the league’s most promising young quarterbacks. The Texans also imported David Montgomery to improve their ground game. Montgomery’s ability to avoid negative plays could keep the offense in more manageable situations and take pressure off the passing attack.
Wide receiver Tank Dell is another major camp watch after missing time since late in the 2024 season because of a serious knee injury. Houston has seen a clear difference in Stroud’s effectiveness with Dell available, making the receiver’s health and conditioning especially important.
The defense remains the club’s foundation. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter give Houston a formidable edge-rushing combination, while Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Jalen Pitre and Calen Bullock headline a talented secondary. Azeez Al-Shaair continues to anchor the middle of the unit.
Houston also signed safety Reed Blankenship after rotating through options at the position. Second-round pick Kayden McDonald could earn an immediate role on the defensive line alongside Sheldon Rankins and Tommy Togiai. If the rookie becomes a reliable contributor quickly, the Texans could field an even more complete defense in 2026.
Indianapolis Colts: Daniel Jones’ health sets the agenda
Jones’ recovery from an Achilles injury is Indianapolis’ central issue entering camp. The Colts kept him out of team periods during offseason work, but expect him to become a full participant at some stage during training camp.
His workload and movement will be closely monitored. Indianapolis looked dangerous early last season when Jones was healthy and comfortable in Shane Steichen’s offense, but the offense deteriorated after he was injured. The concern is whether he can regain the mobility that is such an important part of his game and drive throws normally off his injured leg.
- The Colts will assess Jones’ participation level when camp opens and increase his workload as his recovery allows.
- Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard will compete for the No. 2 quarterback role, unless Richardson’s trade request is granted.
- Given Jones’ injury history, the backup competition could have regular-season consequences.
Roster-wide health is also a concern. Wide receiver Alec Pierce joins Jones on the offensive list of players to monitor, while several critical defenders carry questions into camp.
Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner underwent neck surgery last winter, and Indianapolis has no obvious replacement for him in the middle of its defense. A Week 1 return remains possible, but Buckner did not offer certainty about his availability during the offseason. His camp participation will be a major indicator of where he stands.
Cornerback Sauce Gardner missed substantial time in 2025 with a lingering calf issue, though the concern surrounding him is less severe. The Colts will also be watching Charvarius Ward, who chose not to retire after concussion problems last season.
Indianapolis still needs answers from its pass rush. Laiatu Latu is seeking a second-year jump, Arden Key’s remaining effectiveness is in question, and JT Tuimoloau could be asked to handle a larger role. Camp may show whether the Colts need to add a veteran edge rusher.
Running back Jonathan Taylor brings a separate contract storyline. The 27-year-old is entering the last season of his deal. Unlike his previous contract dispute, which included a hold-in before he received his current agreement, Taylor has handled the matter calmly. Still, he has made clear that he wants to remain in Indianapolis on another contract.
A new deal before camp would settle the issue, but the situation could gain traction if one does not arrive. Taylor may also be monitoring potential market-setting extensions for Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs. Indianapolis saw how difficult its offense became without Jones, when opponents could commit heavily to stopping Taylor. If the Colts continue to depend on him for a large workload, his long-term compensation will remain a topic.
Jacksonville Jaguars: New opportunities in the backfield and at linebacker
Travis Etienne’s move to New Orleans has created a major opening at running back in Jacksonville. Bhayshul Tuten impressed during offseason work and is positioned for a substantial share of the carries, but the final distribution may depend on Chris Rodriguez Jr.’s condition.
- Etienne handled 260 carries last season, compared with 83 for Tuten.
- Tuten enters camp with a chance to take over a significantly larger role.
- Rodriguez missed offseason practices after surgery on his left foot but is expected to be ready for training camp.
- Head coach Liam Coen will use camp to determine whether to feature Tuten heavily or split the work more evenly.
Travis Hunter’s deployment is another central question. Jacksonville’s initial plan calls for the former No. 2 overall pick to work primarily at cornerback while also contributing at wide receiver. Hunter appeared unhappy with that early description of his role, and his usage during full camp practices should offer a clearer answer.
If Hunter becomes the shutdown corner Jacksonville believes he can be while continuing to make plays on offense, the Jaguars may struggle to keep him off the field. The depth of the receiving corps could influence how many offensive snaps he receives.
Brian Thomas Jr. has drawn strong offseason reviews after a disappointing second year. Parker Washington finished last season on a high note, while Jakobi Meyers provides a reliable veteran presence. A bounce-back campaign from Thomas could reduce the need to use Hunter extensively on offense.
Jacksonville must also replace linebacker Devin Lloyd, who left in free agency after an All-Pro-caliber 2025 campaign under defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. Lloyd was named second-team All-Pro after Campanile helped maximize his athletic range.
Ventrell Miller, a 2023 fourth-round pick, is in line to compete for the job next to Foye Oluokun. Miller showed energy during offseason work, but the assignment is not guaranteed. Branson Combs, an undrafted 2025 linebacker, and 2026 seventh-round rookie Parker Hughes could challenge for the position.
If no replacement emerges, Jacksonville could be exposed in the middle of the defense. That would add pressure to a front four that did not consistently generate disruption last year.
Tennessee Titans: Everything starts with Cam Ward
Tennessee’s outlook begins with Ward’s second-season growth. The Titans have put new leadership around their young quarterback, with Robert Saleh taking over as head coach and Brian Daboll joining the staff to help guide Ward’s development.
Daboll’s quarterback work includes helping Josh Allen, Daniel Jones and Jaxson Dart improve. Ward showed considerable physical talent last season, including high-end arm strength and the ability to connect on deep throws when he found a rhythm. His accuracy was inconsistent, particularly in the short and intermediate areas, and he must improve his decision-making against man coverage.
Ward’s athletic ability can add another dimension to the offense, but Tennessee needs him to make more routine plays and process coverages more effectively. The Titans have upgraded their supporting cast in an effort to make that progress possible.
- Tennessee signed Wan’Dale Robinson, who produced 1,014 receiving yards in 2025 and averaged a career-best 11 yards per reception.
- Robinson’s familiarity with Daboll’s system could make him a valuable third-down target and mentor for a young wide receiver room.
- The Titans selected Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate with the No. 4 overall pick, adding a vertical threat with the ability to make contested catches.
- Second-year receivers Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike will look to build on promising rookie flashes.
Calvin Ridley’s role remains unsettled. He played only seven games last season because of injuries and finished with 17 catches, 303 yards and no touchdowns. His 11.1 percent drop rate ranked fifth worst in the NFL among players with at least 25 targets. Tennessee opted against releasing Ridley, believing he can still help Ward, but camp will determine how he fits into the new receiving mix.
Saleh also inherits a defense that struggled badly in 2025. The Titans overhauled the unit, but the challenge will be getting a collection of new players to operate effectively together.
John Franklin-Myers joins Jeffery Simmons on the interior, creating an appealing defensive tackle pairing. Questions remain on the edge, where Jermaine Johnson II has produced his best work under Saleh but has not been consistently disruptive. First-round rookie Keldric Faulk has considerable upside, though it is unclear whether he can become an immediate impact player.
Second-round linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. may be asked to play early alongside Cedric Gray. In the secondary, Tennessee signed Cordale Flott, Alontae Taylor and Joshua Williams after a poor 2025 showing from the defensive backfield. Each has shown quality play at times, but all arrived with concerns about consistency.
The Titans look stronger on the roster sheet than they did a year ago. Whether Saleh can turn those additions into a coordinated, dependable defense will be one of the AFC South’s most important camp developments.
