Texans' Jadeveon Clowney gives thumbs-up for status Sunday vs. Colts

HOUSTON -- Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney said he will play in Sunday's AFC South showdown against the Colts.

Clowney, who has been dealing with a wrist and elbow injury, did not travel to Green Bay this past Sunday to face the Packers. Clowney said it was "very difficult" to miss that game.

"I want to be out there to help my team," Clowney said. "But I felt like if I was out there, I wouldn't help them as much as I could have, so I didn't think it was a good idea for me to play."

Clowney has been the Texans' best defensive player this season, stepping up after defensive end J.J. Watt was put on injured reserve following back surgery in late September.

In 11 games this season, Clowney has three sacks and 34 tackles. He has been playing all over the field this season, moving from primarily outside linebacker to defensive end. With OLBJohn Simon dealing with a chest injury, Clowney played more there in the Texans' Week 11 and Week 12 games than he had earlier in the season.

The former No. 1 overall pick has dealt with injuries in his first two NFL seasons. In 2014, he significantly injured his knee, needing two surgeries to repair the lateral meniscus tear.

Last season, he missed time with an injured back and a Lisfranc sprain in his right foot. Before Sunday, Clowney had not missed a game this season despite dealing with elbow and wrist injuries.

The Texans, Colts and Tennessee Titans are tied atop the AFC South with 6-6 records.