Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien has suggested that Jadeveon Clowney is on track to play in week one of the new season.
The linebacker missed the majority of last season with a torn meniscus and has been working hard in pre-season, with the aim of being back ready for the first game of the new campaign.
O'Brien told the Houston Chronicle: "The knee is feeling decent. We'll keep inching him forward to get him ready to play in the first game."
Clowney added: "I'm think I'm going to be ready for all situations."
The Texans open their season against the Kansas City Chiefs.