Jadeveon Clowney underwent microfracture knee surgery on Monday, effectively ending his season and possibly affecting his ability to play early in 2015. The reasoning behind him having the surgery comes from the discovery that in addition to a torn meniscus he also has cartilage damage. Over the course of his rookie campaign Clowney has suffered fromm multiple injuries that would hinder any player including a concussion, and a sports hernia. He has been dealing with knee issues since his college years so it may have been a possibility that he waited until after the draft to have it done, preserving his draft stock.
Clowney is still a talented player who certainly will be a better player after his injury issues are resolved. Another player who has shown that micro fracture surgery doesn't hinder a players abilities is Dallas Cowboys defensive end Anthony Spencer. He has been a huge boost to an injury riddled Cowboy's defense after returning from the surgery in the first quarter of the season.
Tight end Travis Kelce also had the procedure and had to recover for 10 months but is currently playing the most outstanding football of his career. Clowney's timetable for return is nine months and players who return from this injury on average last about 4.6 seasons and 56 games. This might not bode well for Clowney's young NFL career but he is 22 and only time will tell. Clowney may have a long road to go but there's no denying the Texans future optimism especially with a guy like JJ Watt leading the charge in Clowney's absence.
