The Houston Texans are hoping to build off last year’s 9-7 record. Part of their potential growth would be getting outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney healthy after the 2014 top-overall pick only played in parts of four regular-season games before enduring microfracture knee surgery.
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However, Clowney has been placed on the Physically Unable to Perform List to start training camp, per head coach Bill O’Brien on 610 radio in Houston. Clowney could be ready for the regular season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 13, but can’t be put into pads yet. Despite the designation, he still counts against the Texans’ 90-man roster.
Per SB Nation’s Battle Red Blog, O’Brien had the following to say about Clowney’s status:
"“[Clowney] has put a lot of time in…in the offseason to get better,” O’Brien told Sean, Ted, and John. “It’s not an easy thing to have an injury in his rookie year.”“He’s put a lot of time in. Will he be able to be out there right away when we put the pads on on August 3rd for our first full padded practice? No, he won’t be out there right away for that. I think you’ll see him eventually later in training camp and try to ramp him up for the season.”"
If Clowney is healthy, he can immediately provide some pass-rush help in the front seven alongside J.J. Watt, who produced 20.5 sacks in 2014. Clowney was one of the more celebrated defensive college players of the past decade, known for his incredible quickness off the line and ability to blow up ball-carriers.
While microfracture surgery can be devastating, NFL players have come back from it to enjoy starring roles. Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce needed the procedure before his rookie season of 2013, and bounced back last season to lead the team with 862 yards and five touchdowns.