No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney has played his last snap this season, ESPN reported.
Following a meeting with respected orthopedic surgeon James Andrews yesterday, Clowney and the Texans decided that the rookie needs a second surgery on his right knee. Houston will place Clowney on season-ending injured reserve.
Texans head coach Bill O'Brien declined to reveal what specific surgery Clowney will undergo or who will perform it.
"Evidently that's what needs to be done to try to get him healthy," said defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel. "That's what we need to do to hope that he can get healthy, because when he's healthy we know what he's capable of."
Clowney was one of the most hyped college prospects in recent memory. His destructive career at the University of South Carolina inspired sky-high expectations for the 21-year-old, who was joining former NFL Defensive Player of the Year JJ Watt on Houston's defensive line. However, a litany of injuries including a sports hernia, concussion and a torn meniscus dampened his highly-anticipated rookie year.
"A lot of pain right now, just been bothering me off and on the whole season," Clowney said on Thanksgiving. "Something I've got to push through, but when the swelling comes up, it's a little setback."
Clowney finishes his first season with seven tackles and no sacks in four games.