Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney returned to practice Tuesday after missing the previous five practices with a sore knee.
Clowney participated in more than was expected, and coach Bill O'Brien said he expects Clowney to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.
Clowney did not travel to Santa Clara, California, last week for the Texans' joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers or Sunday's preseason opener.
Outside linebacker John Simon started in Clowney's place against the 49ers and returned a fumble for the Texans' first touchdown of the game.
Clowney has played in 17 of 32 regular-season games over his first two years in the NFL because of injuries. Last year, he missed time with a back injury and a Lisfranc sprain in his right foot.
Before his rookie season, Clowney had groin surgery and suffered a concussion during the preseason. He also injured his knee in his first career NFL game and needed two surgeries to repair the lateral meniscus tear.
Texans center Nick Martin (back) and cornerback A.J. Bouye also returned to practice Tuesday.