Clowney to IR, Ending His Rookie Season

[Warren]

O'Brien on another DL who was injured as a rookie:

"I have not seen Louis Nix," O'Brien said. "I don't know. He’s working out somewhere in Florida I guess. Haven’t seen him. But that’s their prerogative, so don’t read anything into that. When they show back up here for the offseason program, especially the younger players, the younger players need to be ready to roll. So hopefully he’s ready to go."

I asked what he needs to see change from last season in Nix.

"I would say the ability to make it through a practice," O'Brien said. "That would be the biggest thing I need to see."

Nah, we shouldn't read anything at all into that...

Speaking of the D-line, I was listening to the team's podcast today and they were saying not to rule out a return by Ryan Pickett. He hasn't officially retired, has been working out, and has made his permanent home in the area (his wife is from Missouri City). He definitely made a difference last year. A NT rotation of Wilfork (who will also see some time at DE), Pickett, and Nix would be pretty strong. The two vets would be able to stay fresh with Nix's role limited unless he earns a bigger one or one of the older guys gets hurt.