Jadeveon Clowney Back Monday Night For Texans?

The Houston Texans have been without their first overall pick, Jadeveon Clowney, since week one. That hiatus may now come to an end.

The Houston Texans had the number one overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft and selected former South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. While he projects as an explosive defender for the Texans, he has been on the shelf to start the season.

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That may be coming to an end.

After Clowney tore the meniscus in his right knee during his first regular season NFL game against the Washington Redskins, he underwent arthroscopic surgery.

With a timetable of 4-6 weeks, practice time was initially scheduled for this week. However, head coach Bill O’Brien has suggested Clowney may be progressing quicker than originally expected.

Speaking on Texans Radio, O’Brien said, “He’s progressing. He’s working really hard to get back and I would say it’s 50/50. Yeah, I think we have a long time here to get ready for Pittsburgh, longer than normal so hopefully, that bodes well for him being ready to go but I can’t guarantee you that he’ll be here for Pittsburgh.”

Whitney Mercilus has filled in for the Texans while Jadeveon Clowney has been out. On the year he has 19 tackles, and O’Brien mentioned that Mercilus has provided some valuable reps.

O’Brien said, “He’s playing better. He’s getting better and better. He works really hard so he’s the type of guy you root for to get better because of how much time he puts in.”

Houston returns to the field to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football. Given that there is extra time this week, it makes Clowney’s chances of 50/50 look a bit better.

However, considering it is still early in the season, the Texans may be better off giving him until next weekend to make his return.

At any rate, when Clowney gets back on the field, it will be noticed by both the Texans and their opponent.

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