Jadeveon

Clowney

Clowney hasn’t played since injuring his knee in Week 1. Though he isn’t expected to be a major factor in the Texans’ plans, Houston’s defense hasn’t been the shutdown unit that it was last year. They currently rank as a below-average team in EPA per play allowed. Clowney won’t change their fortunes overnight, but he will hopefully help them make incremental improvements.

The Texans ruled out RG Ed Ingram (groin) and EDGE Jadevon Clowney (knee). The Colts’ defense has played unimpressively thus far, but hopefully Brown is able to play this week. Losing two offensive line starters is less than ideal.

Clowney bagged two quarterback pressures and one sack last week. His absence in Week 2 is a plus for Bengals QB Joe Burrow, who logged two limited sessions with back tightness this week before practicing in full.

Clowney is the type of veteran who can play without practicing, but at this point, he is firmly questionable to play. Fortunately, the Texans field a deep, talented pass rush and will be okay without him.

Clowney was listed as a non-participant as he deals with a knee injury. This could certainly be a precautionary measure for the veteran, but something to monitor for the Texans’ pass-rush rotation heading into Week 2. Dalton Schultz also did not participate, but was listed as having a rest day and should have no concerns for this week’s matchup against the Bengals.

Clowney totaled 8.5 sacks, 40 quarterback pressures, 26 solo tackles and six TFLs with the Cowboys last year. The signing reunites Clowney, 33, with the team that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2014. He played with them through 2018 before bouncing around the league on one- and two-year deals. He remains a very effective player, having posted a career-best 16.8 percent pass-rush win rate just last year. Clowney’s deal reportedly includes a $5.5 million base salary. He can make up to $8 million.

Clowney inked a one-year deal with the Cowboys last offseason and totaled 8.5 sacks. He has become the league’s preeminent gun for hire on defense, posting at least eight sacks with four different teams. The last time Clowney spent more than one year on a roster was from 2021 to 2022 in Cleveland. After trading Myles Garrett this offseason, the Browns could certainly use some extra firepower at EDGE.

The need is clearly there with second-round pick Jaylahn Tuimoloau, Micheal Clemons and Arden Key competing for the role next to Laiatu Latu at the moment. Boyd also mentions Cameron Jordan, Jadeveon Clowney and Leonard Floyd among others as possibilities. The veteran edge rusher and wideout markets are still unfolding ahead of training camp.

Clowney (hamstring) attempted to give it a go in warmups after practicing once, a limited session on Wednesday, this week. He will be missed against the Lions’ top-notch offense. The Cowboys have once again declared Blue, the once-exciting rookie, inactive this week. He does not need to be stashed at this time.

Clowney will suit up against against an injury-marred Eagles offensive line after missing practice time this week while dealing with a shoulder/neck issue. It’s a plus for a Dallas defense that has gotten much healthier over the past few weeks. Dallas declared RB Jaydon Blue, WR Jalen Tolbert, OL Hakeem Adeniji, DT Jay Toia, and DT Perrion Winfrey inactive against the Eagles.