Texans coach Bill O'Brien said that he "would not get into any discussions" he has had with newly acquired WR Kenny Stills, but added that he "supports his players." Stills has routinely knelt during the national anthem to protest social injustice. O'Brien: "I'm not going to really get into any discussions that I would have with any player about those things. But I support the players in social justice initiatives." ESPN.com's Sarah Barshop noted the Texans "have not had many instances of players taking a knee" (ESPN.com, 9/2).
TAKE THAT FOR DATA: In Tampa, Eduardo Encina notes Buccaneers players have been wearing a device from sports tech company Catapult at practices this season, "one of the several innovations the Bucs implemented" after GM Jason Licht and new coach Bruce Arians "created a sports science department." Newly-hired Dir of Athlete Performance Greg Skaggs will "oversee the use of data" from the wearable devices, which can track things like heart rate, distance traveled and speed (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 9/2).
FEELING BLUE: PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Michael David Smith notes the Chargers’ "popular powder blue jerseys will be making a total of six appearances" during the regular season. In addition to four previously announced home games, the Chargers will also wear the powder blues "twice on the road," against the Dolphins on Sept. 29 and the Raiders on Nov. 7 (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 9/3).
