Texans GM Smith on Clowney: 'We expect him to be a major contributor this year'

When Jadeveon Clowney's rookie season came to an early end and the Houston Texans pass rusher went in for microfracture surgery, some analysts pondered aloud whether he might struggle to get back on the field in 2015.

The Texans say they not only expect Clowney to make a full recovery, they expect the first overall pick in 2014 to be a force in his second season. 

"I've been encouraged and impressed," general manager Rick Smith said of Clowney's rehab Tuesday at a press conference. "He's doing well. We expect him to be a major contributor this year."

It remains a long shot that Clowney will be ready for the start of training camp, but perhaps Week 1 is a realistic target.

Injuries limited Clowney to four games played as a rookie. He did not record a sack.