Texans pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney is stepping into an even more prominent role in the wake of star defensive end J.J. Watt's season-ending back injury.
Clowney will start at Watt's vacated left defensive end spot Sunday against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium.
Clowney is expected to draw more double-team blocking attention with Watt done for the year after aggravating his herniated disk and undergoing a second microdiscectomy procedure.
Meanwhile, former Rice standout Christian Covington will start at right defensive end where Clowney had been lining up. John Simon starts at an outside linebacker spot.
And veteran defensive end Antonio Smith, signed to a one-year deal with Watt placed on injured reserve, is active in his first game back with the Texans.