Clowney returns to practice, expects to play on Sunday
The Texans have always maintained some level of optimism surrounding the status of defensive end Jadeveon Clowney for Sunday’s important AFC South game against the Indianapolis Colts.
So has Clowney, who expects to play against the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. The disruptive run-stopper and pass rusher returned to practice Thursday after being held out of the Texans’ road loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field due to lingering elbow and wrist injuries.
“I feel good. I feel good enough to go,” said Clowney, who was limited in practice. “Yeah, I’ll be out there.”
The Texans kept Clowney out of last week’s game in hopes he could return for this showdown against the Colts. He has recorded a career-high 12 tackles for losses this season. He has three sacks and 11 quarterback hits along with 41 tackles.
Clowney will chase elusive Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, the Stratford graduate who was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week following a blowout victory Monday night over the New York Jets.
“He’s like a running back at quarterback,” Clowney said. “Big, physical guy. He’s smart. He can run. He can do it all.”
Bouye capable of filling vacancy
Cracked ribs and a bruised lung have prevented cornerback Johnathan Joseph from practicing this week.
Although the Texans would miss the leadership and cover skills of the two-time Pro Bowl selection if he can’t play Sunday, they aren’t bereft of cornerback talent.
A.J. Bouye would start in place of Joseph opposite Kareem Jackson, who allowed a touchdown pass against the Packers.
“A.J. has had a good year,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “A.J.’s got length. He’s got speed. He’s tough. He’s covered well. He’s tackled well. He’s had a good year. He’s got good ball skills.”
A pending unrestricted free agent expected to cash in with a big contract after a breakthrough season, Bouye has a careerhigh 11 passes defended. He has 35 tackles, one sack and one interception.
“I’m not worried about it,” Bouye said. “It’s staying focused on the game plan and what I see out there and taking it a play at a time.
“We’re still preparing as if J-Jo is playing.”
Hal back in time for Allen matchup
Starting free safety Andre Hal was close to playing on Sunday against Green Bay, recovering rapidly from an illness that had prevented him from practicing all week.
The Texans wound up having Hal active in case they needed him, but he didn’t play at snowy Lambeau Field.
Now, Hal is back all the way and will start Sunday against the Colts.
“I didn’t have the flu,” Hal said. “There’s something going around, but I’m fine now.”
The Texans will need a strong performance from Hal as they get ready to square off with Colts tight end Dwayne Allen. Allen caught three touchdown passes Monday night during a blowout victory over the Jets, finishing with four catches for 72 yards.
“He’s pretty good,” Hal said. “Him and (tight end) Jack Doyle are more involved in the game plan now, as you can see from the Jets game.”
Simon unlikely to play Sunday
Starting outside linebacker John Simon remains sidelined with a chest injury and isn’t expected to play Sunday. He has been out since getting hurt against the Raiders.
Simon has been rehabbing a dozen hours per day in an effort to return before the end of the season, according to coach Bill O’Brien.
Backup quarterback Tom Savage didn’t practice again Thursday due to an infection in his right throwing elbow.
Wide receiver Braxton Miller (right shoulder), cornerback Johnathan Joseph (cracked ribs, bruised lung) and kick returner Tyler Ervin (ribs) also didn’t practice again.