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As it was portrayed on the latest episode of HBO's "Hard Knocks," the long recovery from microfracture surgery has been a lonely and painful path for the former number one pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Fortunately, Jadeveon Clowney has had a great first week back at practice and is happy to be back with his teammates.
He remains listed as "doubtful" for preseason games and "questionable" for the first game of the regular season against the Chiefs , but he's making great progress.
NFL.com provided the following:
[Regarding the physical therapy over the last year, as captured on "Hard Knocks"]
"You gotta be sick of doing this s---," the coach said.
Such has been the grueling nature of Clowney's road back from microfracture knee surgery. Hard Knocksgave us a glimpse at a gifted player showing some signs of his old self. This week's activation off the physically unable to perform list and return to team practice is similarly encouraging.
Such has been the grueling nature of Clowney's road back from microfracture knee surgery. Hard Knocks gave us a glimpse at a gifted player showing some signs of his old self. This week's activation off the physically unable to perform list and return to team practice is similarly encouraging.
"We do a little bit more each day with him, and so far, so good," O'Brien said after Clowney's third team practice, according to the Houston Chronicle. "I think it's been three days in a row now which is good, and do a little bit more tomorrow, and then we'll evaluate him at the end of the week. But so far, so good."
The Chronicle's Aaron Wilson noted that Clowney's mobility "isn't at the same level" when compared to his outrageous NFL Scouting Combine performance last year. But that's not a surprise, either -- Clowney is recovering from a major surgery. A return to form is not guaranteed. If he pulls it off, it will take time.
O'Brien has stated the team won't rush Clowney back onto the field. Consider it 50/50 -- at best -- that Clowney sees a snap this preseason. But the arrow is pointing up for a player who could be a major X-factor in Houston.
Clowney: "I had a hard time. It was hard some days. But being back out here with my teammates is the best feeling."
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 17, 2015
Jadeveon Clowney looks more mobile, confident in third practice this week http://t.co/P4pcZQrhSl
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 20, 2015