2014 No. 1 Overall Jadeveon Clowney to be Ready For Week 1
Nov 16, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) rushes against Cleveland Browns tackle Joe Thomas (73) during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Texans won 23-7. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
We’re all waiting to see just what the Houston Texans have in 2014 No. 1 overall Jadeveon Clowney. We didn’t get the chance last year as he had microfracture surgery on his right knee early on. But head coach Bill O’Brien told NFL Media’s Michael Silver, “I think he’s gonna be there for the opening game (of the regular season) against Kansas City,” O’Brien said. “I think he’s going to make it back, and I’m really looking forward to that. He’s working very hard to get back.”
If he does and he’s half as advertised, the Texans will have a scary defensive front with Clowney, J.J. Watt and Vince Wilfork. And with the addition of first-round corner Kevin Johnson, they’ll better equipped to handle Andrew Luck’s Indianapolis Colts. As confident as O’Brien is that his 2014 top draft pick will suit up for the opener, he’s not sure when Clowney will return to practice.
O’Brien told reporters on Friday. “”High expectations. I think the guy has worked hard. When I say high expectations I mean for him coming back and being on schedule to start the season. Now when he comes back to be able to practice in training camp, we don’t really know that yet.
“Obviously he would have to practice some to be able to be ready to play in the Kansas City game even if it was on a limited basis. But he’s worked extremely hard. I think he’s moving well, I think he feels better. We’ll be looking forward to seeing where he’s at once we get back here at the end of July.”
Clowney coming back and playing well could decide who the AFC South Champion is.