Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney hit his target date of August 17th to practice for the first time since microfracture knee surgery in December.
“I’m tired of hitting blocking dummies that don’t hit back” – Jadeveon Clowney
Obviously after such a long time away from the game the first overall pick in 2014 didn’t do full team drills, but just having him back on the field is a huge plus after eight and a half months of work.
After the limited practice Monday, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle quoted that Clowney felt “pretty good” afterwards and that he was wanting to do even more in practice.
"Clowney will do individual drills but no team drills until the doctors, trainers and coaches believe he’s ready. They won’t rush him. There’s no timetable for him to play in preseason.The plan has been to have him ready to play in the first game against Kansas City, probably on a limited basis, like rushing the passer.“(I worked) more than I’ve worked in my whole life, probably,” he said. “It was worth it. Just to be back out here, it was all worth it.”Clowney wanted to do more in practice but knew he wouldn’t be allowed to.“I was like, ‘Coach, let me get some pass rush today,’” he said. “He was like, ‘We’re going to take it slow. You’ll have plenty of opportunities.’ I’m tired of hitting blocking dummies that don’t hit back.“Now it’s like being the new kid on the team again. It was fun.”"
If Clowney is able to dress for the opening game against Kansas City it would be a huge boost to the team to see the former South Carolina Gamecock on the field chasing quarterbacks again. Monday was a huge step towards getting him there.