Jadeveon Clowney’s unexpected absence from practice clouds Houston’s defensive outlook. After a shaky Week 1, the veteran’s knee injury threatens to deplete a pass rush desperate for stability.
The Houston Texans have another injury concern to deal with on defense, and this one could be especially important heading into Week 2.
Jadeveon Clowney was working off to the side of practice on Thursday due to a knee injury, according to the latest report. That is concerning news for Houston, especially considering head coach DeMeco Ryans said Clowney would return to practice today.
Clowney missing practice was already something to monitor after he sat out Wednesday's session with the same knee injury. The fact that he was expected to be back on the field Thursday but was instead working off to the side adds another layer of concern.
The veteran defensive end was one of the Texans' better performers in their Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Clowney recorded a sack and two quarterback hits in the 36-31 defeat, making his presence felt against Josh Allen and the Buffalo offense.
Houston's defense was expected to be one of the biggest strengths of this team entering the season. Those expectations only grew after the Texans added Clowney to a defensive front that already featured Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
The Week 1 performance did not live up to those expectations. Buffalo put up 36 points, and the Texans' defense struggled to consistently slow down Allen and the Bills' offense. Now, Houston could be dealing with another issue along its defensive line.
Clowney's potential absence would put more pressure on the rest of the front to deliver. Anderson and Hunter are the headliners, but the Texans need depth and production across the defensive line to get the most out of their pass rush.
There is still time for Clowney to get back on the field before Sunday's matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. Working off to the side does not automatically mean he will miss the game, and the Texans will have to see how his knee responds as the week continues.
Still, this is not the update Houston wanted after Ryans expressed confidence that Clowney would practice Thursday. The Texans already have Henry To'oTo'o on injured reserve following his shoulder injury in Week 1, while Nico Collins is dealing with a hamstring issue. More injury news is the last thing this team needs after a disappointing defensive performance against Buffalo.
Clowney's status will be worth watching closely over the next few days. For a Texans defense that needs to bounce back in Week 2, having one of its key pass rushers available could make a meaningful difference.
