Clowney set to debut with Cowboys vs Bears: Defensive reinforcement

FRISCO, Texas – Veteran defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, despite not having participated in the preseason program, training camp, or having played in the preseason, will be ready to debut with the Dallas Cowboys when they face the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

I hope to play, but I don’t know how many snaps. That depends on the coaches. I remember I entered Tennessee in Week 1 [in 2020] and played about 40 snaps in the first game, and we played in Mile High Denver. So it’s nothing new to me. It’s football. Go out and be physical, play your game. If you get tired, that’s why there are other guys on your team.

Jadeveon Clowney

Clowney had his first practice with the Cowboys on Wednesday.

Coach Brian Schottenheimer did not rule out the possibility of Clowney playing, but preferred not to make a final decision at that time. The Cowboys signed Clowney to strengthen their defensive line, which has recorded four sacks in two games. However, Clowney does not see himself as a replacement for Micah Parsons. Micah Parsons is Micah Parsons. I am Jadeveon Clowney. I come to do my thing and help in everything I can and to play football. Clowney, 32, recorded 5.5 sacks last season with the Carolina Panthers, who released him in May. According to his agent, Kennard McGuire, joining the Cowboys was the priority. Clowney expressed his desire to have played with Parsons.

I am here now and I am glad to have the opportunity to keep playing football after 12 years. Everyone asks me: ‘What makes you want to keep doing this, after 12 years in the league? You already have the money and everything’. But it’s the competition. It’s the competitor in me. As long as I have that competitive edge and it’s fair, I feel like I can go out there and do it.

Jadeveon Clowney

Clowney visited the Cowboys last week. With this addition, he reunites with Schottenheimer, who was offensive coordinator when Clowney played for the Seattle Seahawks in 2019. The Cowboys have expressed their satisfaction with their current pass rushers, including Dante Fowler Jr., Sam Williams, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Marshawn Kneeland, and James Houston. Clowney’s arrival further strengthens the group.

This kid is a good football player. He’s not just here to be a pass rusher. He’s here to play defense, to affect the game, stop the run, and affect the quarterback by moving him off his spot. He knows how to play football. So it’ll be exciting to see him at training camp on Wednesday.

Brian Schottenheimer