August 17 is still the day slated for the return of Jadeveon Clowney.
The outside linebacker had microfracture surgery on his right knee in early December, and has rehabbed the injury since. Last week after a training camp practice, head coach Bill O'Brien said the first overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft would likely practice on the 17th, and he reaffirmed that on Tuesday morning.
"August 17 is the day that I think our medical team has talked to him about," O'Brien said. "But again, with JD, it's if he feels ready to go on that day, his knee feels good, then he'll go."
Clowney played in just four games as a rookie. Through the first 11 days of camp, he's worked on a side
field with the team's medical and strength and conditioning staffs. Now, barring a delay, he'll rejoin his teammates at practice this Monday.
"We're not going to rush him back," O'Brien said. "We feel like that's a good date for him, so yeah we're on target for that. Hopefully, he'll get out here and be able to do something that day."
O'Brien and the Texans practice again on Wednesday and Thursday, and will have Friday off before facing the 49ers at NRG Stadium in the preseason opener on Saturday.
