Texans DE Jadeveon Clowney active vs. Titans after missing last six games

Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is active for the team's game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is active for the team's game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, the team announced.

Clowney has missed the team's last six games after injuring his knee in the first half of the Texans' season opener against the Washington Redskins on Sept. 7, tearing his meniscus and later undergoing surgery. 

The rookie also missed time in the preseason as a precaution after a helmet-to-helmet collision and had surgery in June to repair a sports hernia.

Clowney nearly returned in time for Houston's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night this week and said Thursday he expected to play against the Titans.

• BURKE/FARRAR: Have Titans found answer to QB woes?

Clowney had one tackle before his injury in the season opener. Whitney Mercilus has started in his place since the injury.

The Texans head into Sunday 26th in the NFL in total defense, allowing 387.3 yards per game.

Houston is 3-4 this season and in second place in the AFC South. The Titans, who are switching to rookie Zach Mettenberger at quarterback this week, are 2-5 and in third place.

•​ BANKS: Week 8 picks: Will Seattle, Cincinnati bounce back?

- Ben Estes