Jadeveon Clowney to return vs. Browns, will be used in limited role

Jadeveon Clowney will return to the field in a limited role when the Houston Texans face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Jadeveon Clowney will once again have a limited role when the Houston Texans play the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

Dale Robertson of the Chronicle added that Clowney says his knee feels "much better."

Clowney, who suffered a torn meniscus in his first career NFL game Week 1 against the Washington Redskins, missed six weeks before returning Oct. 26 against the Tennessee Titans. Clowney recorded one tackle while playing mostly in passing situations. He was then inactive for the Texans' Week 9 game against the Philadelphia Eagles due to an illness. The Texans are coming off their bye before their trip to Cleveland.

Houston selected Clowney first overall out of South Carolina in May's draft. Clowney also dealt with a sports hernia over the summer and missed extended time.

• Power Rankings: Patriots hold down No. 1 spot, Browns climb into top 10

Houston's defense ranks 28th with 391.1 yards allowed per game and has especially struggled against the pass, ranking 29th with 273.8 passing yards allowed per game. Cleveland ranks 16th in passing offense (236.2 passing yards per game) and 13th overall (354 yards per game).

Linebacker Brian Cushing also is expected to play for the Texans, according to Robertson. Cushing missed the Texans' last two games due to complications from the leg/knee injury that prematurely ended his 2013 season.

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- Mike Fiammetta