Jadeveon Clowney returns to action for Texans

Outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney — the league’s top pick in 2014 — was finally back on the field with the Houston Texans.

Clowney played Sunday vs. the Kansas City Chiefs, his first action since microfracture surgery in December.

“It’s been a long, long comeback, so it felt good to get back,” Clowney said.

Clowney was a dominant college defender at South Carolina, but played just four games as a rookie because of various injuries. He didn’t start Sunday, but came in on the second play against Kansas City.

He was in for three plays before leaving the game for a couple of plays. He returned and helped pressure Alex Smith into an incomplete pass on third down to force a punt. He finished the game with four tackles, including one for loss.

Kansas City won the game 27-20.

“All week I was like, ‘I don’t know how it’s going to go. I’m ready to play. I’m ready to play,’” Clowney said. “Coach (O’Brien) said just let the game come to me and they limited my reps so it was just getting a feel of the game and having fun.”

Houston plays at the Carolina Panthers next Sunday.