It's been 43 days since Jadeveon Clowney's played in a regular season game for the Texans. And in his mind, unless something out of the ordinary happens, he'll be back on the field on the 46th day.
"Yeah, I would be surprised if I didn't play," Clowney said on Thursday. "Like I said, just going out to practice, working on my craft and getting back in football shape."
The rookie outside linebacker and the Texans face the Titans on Sunday, and the first overall pick said he can't wait to be back in action.
"Very excited," Clowney said. "Been missing out, been without playing with my team. I'm looking forward to being out there with my team and having fun."
Clowney injured his knee in the Week 1 win over Washington, and underwent surgery on it that week. He's been rehabbing the injury since, and has practiced with his teammates twice this week and twice last week. A pregame workout on Monday was also included, but he was ruled inactive before facing the Steelers that night.
Although his knee is still "bothering" him a little bit, Clowney said he should be ready to go.
"A little bit of discomfort," Clowney said. "Like I said, it's something you have to push through. It's going to be there until I get a long break to rest my knee on. Just finish the season."
Kickoff Sunday is at noon CT in Nashville. Clowney registered a tackle for loss against Washington.
