Clowney expected to resume practicing next week
Knee soreness is reportedly behind inactivity
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — As the Texans continue to exercise caution with outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, given his history of injuries, the former top overall pick is expected to return to practice as soon as next week.
Clowney is making steady progress and is getting over the minor soreness in his knee that had prompted the team to rest him, according to sources not authorized to speak publicly.
If it was the regular season, the expectation is that Clowney would be on the field. The thinking is that it doesn’t make sense to risk injury during the preseason.
Clowney missed the Texans’ first three practices this week, including Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Clowney has a history of knee problems and underwent microfracture knee surgery and meniscus surgery as a rookie.
“Just giving him a couple of days off,” said Texans coach Bill O’Brien earlier this week while declining to specify what’s preventing Clowney from practicing. “I wouldn’t make too much of it.”
Clowney has dealt with a myriad of injuries since joining the Texans, including foot and lower back ailments last season when he still was able to record a career-high 4½ sacks.