HOUSTON, TX - MAY 16: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Houston Texans during opening day of rookie minicamp on May 16, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney is back practicing with the team following microfracture surgery on his right knee, but head coach Bill O'Brien said the former No. 1 pick isn't quite ready for preseason action just yet.
O'Brien said the Texans plan to hold Clowney out of Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. As Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle points out, that likely limits the chances the former South Carolina star will see any time in the preseason, since the fourth game is typically used for players fighting for roster spots and may present an injury risk.
Clowney, the top pick in last year's draft, played in just four games last season due to injuries. He was activated off the physically unable to perform list Aug. 17.
"We'll do a little bit more with him in practice," O'Brien said. "I've been pleased with the way he has reacted and practiced with the plan that we've had for him so far. He's eager to get out there. One of the good signs with him is that he'll come up to us and say, 'Can I do more? I'd like to be in that drill,' because he sees the competition and he'd like to be in more, but we have to stick to the medical plan. I'm definitely pleased with how he's approached it so far."
(h/t Houston Chronicle)
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