Jadeveon Clowney is seeing his first action since Week 1 as he took the field Sunday for the Houston Texans.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport first reported on NFL GameDay First that Clowney would make his return this week from a torn meniscus.
The Texans plan to begin deploying Clowney in passing situations only to start the game, see how he feels and possibly grow his role as the contest wears on, per Rapoport.
The No. 1 overall pick joins J.J. Watt in what has the potential to become the most dynamic pass-rushing tandem in the NFL. The Texans' version of the bash brothers will have a chance to harass Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Zach Mettenberger, who's making his first start Sunday.
Here's some other injury news we are following Sunday morning:
- Calvin Johnson was inactive for the Detroit Lions with an ankle injury. Reggie Bush, Eric Ebron and Brandon Pettigrew were also inactive against the Falcons.
- After naming him as one of their inactives, Bengals wide receiver A.J. Greenwill miss his third consecutive game Sunday due to a toe injury when Cincinnati hosts the Ravens. The plan is for him to be back next week, per Rapoport, with Wednesday being the most important day in his availability moving forward.
According to NFL Media's Stacey Dales, there is unanimous agreement that the plan should be simply to have him rest it until he can tolerate a normal level of play, per a source close to the team. The toe injury is a frustrating one that can seemingly show improvement and increased comfort just walking around in the healing process, but just hopes raise and Green attempts to go full speed, it can be extremely painful and he's once again forced to back off.
Per a Bengals source, Dales added that Green will be receiving another specialty shoe from Nike this week; he's "very close" to returning, with a "70-30" chance of playing next week against the Jaguars.
- Falcons receiver Harry Douglas (foot) is active. His availability should allow Atlanta to go to more three- and four-receiver sets this week.
- Baltimore Ravens running back Bernard Pierce was a healthy scratch.
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers listed wide receiver Vincent Jackson (ribs) as active.
- Shane Vereen has been hampered by an undisclosed illness, but the New England Patriots running back was not among the team's Sunday inactives. Wide receiver Brian Tyms is active, while fellow wideout Aaron Dobson is not.
- Linebacker Lance Briggs (ribs) will not suit up for the Chicago Bears, as he was ruled inactive by the team.
- Charlie Whitehurst was listed as inactive by the Tennessee Titans, paving the way for Jake Locker to firmly assume the No. 2 quarterback spot behind Zach Mettenberger.
- Bryce Brown is active for the Buffalo Bills for the first time all season, but Anthony Dixon will start at running back.
- Jonathan Stewart will start at running back for Carolina with DeAngelo Williams out once again.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast previews every Week 8 game, and breaks down the Broncos' win over the Chargers. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
