Texans LB Jadeveon Clowney returns to practice

Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney returned to practice on Monday as expected.

Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney returned to practice on Monday as expected.

Clowney stretched and then participated in individual drills with the linebackers. Over the weekend, Texans head coach Bill O’Brien confirmed Clowney would return on Monday, his expected return date since earlier this month.

The No. 1 pick in the 2014 NFL draft, Clowney played in four games as a rookie before undergoing season-ending microfracture surgery on his right knee. The Texans placed Clowney on the Physically Unable to Perform list late last month, but O’Brien said in June that he expected Clowney would be ready for Week 1, although he would miss the start of training camp.

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As expected Jadeveon Clowney takes part in LB drills, stretch and walk thru, his first return to practice. #Texans pic.twitter.com/Uw0AJYN3YO

— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) August 17, 2015

In his four games last season (two starts), Clowney recorded seven tackles.

The Texans open the regular season Sept. 13 against the Kansas City Chiefs at NRG Stadium.

- Mike Fiammetta