The Texans selected Jadeveon Clowney first overall in the 2014 NFL Draft with high hopes for his future, but the highly touted rookie from South Carolina failed to live up to the hype in an injury-ruined season.
Clowney, who underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee four months ago, did not give a timetable for his recovery in his first interview since the procedure. However, the outside linebacker is "very encouraged" by his progress in rehab, according to the Houston Chronicle.
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"I’m not going to speak on (a timetable), but I’m making progress, and I’m very encouraged," Clowney said Saturday. "I’m working hard, but we’re not going to rush it. Rehab is tough, tougher than playing. You have to get there (NRG Stadium) earlier than everybody and leave later than everybody.”
The recovery time for microfracture surgery is usually 9-10 months. Clowney said he rehabs for up to five hours a day, even though he couldn't put weight on it for "six to seven weeks" after the surgery.
"Man, I thought that was going to be real tough, but I had my family around a lot," Clowney said. "When they finally told me I could walk, I just took off. I’m progressing well. I’m moving forward in my rehab.
"Things are starting to come together, just like I hoped they would."