Texans' Jadeveon Clowney on rehab: 'I'm progressing well'

Houston Texans pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney spoke to reporters Saturday for the first time since undergoing microfracture surgery on his injured right knee.

Houston Texans pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney spoke to reporters Saturday for the first time since undergoing microfracture surgery on his right knee.

“I’m progressing well,” Clowney said, according to the Houston Chronicle. “I’m moving forward in my rehab. Things are starting to come together just like I hoped they would.”

Clowney had the surgery on Dec. 8, about four months ago. His recovery time was initially pegged at nine months. He would not say Saturday whether he expected to be ready for training camp.

Clowney's rookie year was plagued by injuries. He had surgery for a sports hernia in June and sustained a concussion in the preseason. He tore his meniscus in the Texans' season opener and had arthroscopic surgery. He returned after seven weeks and played three games but the swelling and discomfort in his knee lingered, so the Texans shut him down for the season and he had the microfracture surgery.

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Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Gosder Cherilus, who also had microfracture surgery, said he thought Clowney was "screwed" and wouldn't have the same explosiveness he did before the surgery.

Many athletes have had the surgery. Some, such as Cherilus and New York Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire, have resumed successful careers. Others, such as former NBA player Greg Oden, were unable to return to their pre-injury form. 

As a rookie in 2014, Clowney made seven tackles, but failed to record a sack in four games.

- Dan Gartland