HOUSTON (AP) - Jadeveon Clowney is expected to play in Houston's season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 13.
The top overall pick in the 2014 draft had microfracture surgery on his right knee in December and didn't return to practice until Aug. 17.
The outside linebacker says he's feeling strong and that he's glad all the work he put in during rehabilitation is finally paying off.
He played just four games last season because of various injuries before the season-ending microfracture surgery.
On the Texans official website, coach Bill O'Brien gushed about Clowney.
"I've always felt good about him mentally, as far as the X's and O's," O'Brien said. "He's a very bright football player."
O'Brien's been impressed with what he's seen from the former South Carolina Gamecock in the meeting room with linebacker coach Mike Vrabel.
"When he fires questions at Jadeveon, the guy knows the answers," O'Brien said. "Our defense, it's not always the easiest thing to pick that thing up, especially when you're not practicing. Clearly, he has good football intelligence."
Clowney appeared in four games in 2014, as he was slowed and then ultimately shut down because of a knee injury. He's practiced with the Texans since August 17, and said he's not feeling any pain in his knee.
The players are off on Tuesday, and will return to practice Wednesday at the Houston Methodist Training Center.
--Associated Press, HoustonTexans.com
