Texans shake up defense, Chiefs ride run game: AFC South & West roundup

No AFC South or West teams took the field yesterday, but it was anything but quiet behind the scenes. From a major defensive shakeup in Houston to more signs of an identity shift in Kansas City and a key return looming in Las Vegas, several contenders and strugglers moved pieces around the board.

Texans at 0-4 turn back to DeMeco Ryans on defense

Sitting at 0-4, the Houston Texans are changing course. Head coach DeMeco Ryans announced he is reclaiming defensive play‑calling duties from coordinator Matt Burke, a move aimed at jump‑starting a unit that hasn’t matched expectations through the first month.

Special teams have provided one of Houston’s few bright spots: the Texans were one of two teams, along with the Ravens, to block a Dallas Cowboys field goal in consecutive weeks by attacking the same protection flaw. Now they’re hoping reinforcements can spark a broader turnaround, having opened 21‑day practice windows for wide receiver Tank Dell, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald and offensive tackle Braden Smith. Houston is also among the teams linked to trade speculation around Marvin Harrison Jr. as the Arizona Cardinals weigh their options with the former first‑round pick.

4-0 Chiefs lean on Kenneth Walker III, weigh receiver options

At 4-0 atop the AFC West, the Kansas City Chiefs are drawing praise for a retooled rushing attack. Four games into the season, running back Kenneth Walker III is “dominating on the ground” and headlines an early list of the top veteran additions of 2026. A broader quarter‑season review also highlights the Chiefs’ renewed commitment to the run as one of the league’s key storylines.

That evolution comes as injuries thin Kansas City’s wide receiver group. The situation has prompted Russell Wilson to publicly say the Chiefs should bring in Tyreek Hill for a workout, floating the idea of a high‑profile reunion to bolster the passing game.

Raiders, Colts and Jaguars adjust as standings tighten

Chasing the Chiefs in the AFC West at 3-1, the Las Vegas Raiders are close to getting more help on offense. Second‑year wide receiver Dont’e Thornton returned to practice this week, starting his 21‑day window to be activated from injured reserve. Las Vegas, like Houston, is also mentioned in reports about potential trade interest in Marvin Harrison Jr.

In the AFC South, the Indianapolis Colts (2-2) are patching up their defensive front by signing veteran edge rusher Carl Lawson to the practice squad after multiple injuries at defensive end. Above them, the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1) are getting national attention: a full‑season simulation by CBS Sports projects the Seahawks to repeat as Super Bowl champions and has the Jaguars making a deeper‑than‑expected playoff run alongside the Vikings.

There was no fresh news on Wednesday from the Denver Broncos (2-2), Los Angeles Chargers (0-4) or Tennessee Titans (0-4), but their records underline how quickly separation is forming in the AFC South and West after four weeks.