Former South Carolina star inactive for National Football League playoff, reportedly leaves stadium

The Texans outside linebacker stormed out of the locker room and left the stadium after the team listed him as inactive for Saturday's game. Coach Bill O'Brien was skeptical about Clowney's availability and ultimately mad a game-time decision to not play him in this playoff opener.

The Texans listed Clowney among their inactives following a pregame workout in the weight room. "His reaction was to leave stadium". He did not play in the Texans' Week 17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He was limited in practice on Thursday and missed the team's walkthrough on Friday.

Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel said Clowney did not do much when he was active for practice this week.

This season Clowney has been healthier than his rookie year. John Simon will play a bigger role with Clowney out. He missed one game with an ankle injury and another with a back injury but played in 13 games with 40 tackles, 4.5 sacks and six passes defended.

The NFL Network also reported that Clowney left to deal "with a family matter" and would return to the stadium.

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