Texans' Jadeveon Clowney nearing return

The Houston Texans have set a date for the potential return of linebacker Jadeveon Clowney.

"I would say the goal is to get him back on the field on August 17th and then go from there," head coach Bill O'Brien said Sunday, according to the team's official website.

The Texans were hoping to have their 2014 first-round pick back for the start of training camp, which didn't happen. But the team's head physician, Dr. Walt Lowe, said recently that Clowney "looks spectacular" after being limited to four games last season because of knee issues.

Houston's first preseason game is scheduled for Aug. 15 against the San Francisco 49ers.