Although he's back at practice, the Houston Texans aren't ready to rule defensive end Jadeveon Clowney back for Week 4's matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Of course, they also aren't ready to rule him inactive, either.
Entering Friday's walkthrough ahead of what feels like a must-win game, Clowney did not practice, as he's still recovering from a knee injury suffered in Week 1's loss against the Buffalo Bills. He's listed as questionable entering Week 4.
Clowney told reporters on Thursday that he feels good to go after being limited at practice on Wednesday and Thursday, so this could have been a precautionary tale of not practice Friday morning.
"It was great when I was there [with Dallas], but I'm with this team now," Clowney said. "I know those
guys. I'm just excited to get the opportunity to get back out there and play against the Cowboys."
Jadeveon Clowney has returned to practice for the Texans.
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) September 30, 2026
Clowney, who signed a one-year deal this offseason, recorded the first sack of the Texans' 2026 season against Josh Allen in the first quarter. He also totaled three tackles and two pressures en route to a 36-31 loss at home.
Since then, Houston's pass rush hasn't missed a beat with names like Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, but there's been a missing spark with the depth behind the Pro Bowlers. Sabastian Harsh has become a stable No. 3 option, but he's only recorded half a sack.
Now, Houston will also be without veteran defensive lineman and specialty interior blitzer Mario Edwards Jr., who suffered a torn ACL in Week 3 against the Colts.
Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney ready to get back at it this weekend against his former team. pic.twitter.com/QHCgi65Lkf
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) October 1, 2026
"He's a joy to be around, just the energy and infectiousness and I thought he was playing some of his best ball," Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said Thursday. "He's been part of our team for a few years now and I thought was really playing elite level. The energy, the chase stuff, just getting to the ball. He's such an effusive personality and it just kind of gets to everyone on the defense, so we're going to have to kind of pick that energy. I think he's a great player and made a lot of good plays for us, but I also think just the personality, the energy and the positivity and just that carries over to a lot of the rest of the defense."
Clowney said the goal is to pick back up where he left off in Week 1 and that he plans to prove there's more left with him than just one game. He's excited for the chance to go up against former teammate and Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient Dak Prescott, a gunslinger who Clowney praised for his leadership.
"He's the engine that gets those guys going," Clowney said. "He's the reason things are going to go great or go bad, just all based off what Dak is doing out there on the field. I know he's going to have them prepared, but, like I said, we'll be ready to go. I got a lot of respect for Dak. I enjoy him. I'm looking forward for the opportunity to compete against him again."
Kickoff on Sunday is scheduled for Noon. The game will be televised on FOX.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Jadeveon Clowney injury update: Latest on Texans DE for Cowboys' game
