Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien has said that they will not put any pressure on linebacker Jadeveon Clowney to rush his return from injury.
The 22-year-old suffered a torn meniscus last season and missed the majority of the campaign, but expects to return within the next week.
However, O'Brien says that he will only be involved if he feels ready.
He told the Houston Chronicle: "Yeah, look, August 17 is the day that I think our medical team has talked to him about, but, again, with JD, it's if he feels ready to go on that day.
"[If] his knee feels good, then he'll go. We're not going to rush him back. We feel like that's a good date for him, so, yeah, we're on target for that. Hopefully, he'll get out here and be able to do something that day."
Clowney made four appearances in his rookie season.
