Ryan Shazier Injury: Rookie's knee-injury recovery could see him in the lineup vs. Texans

The Houston Texans will be getting their prized first-round draft pick Jadaveon Clowney back in their starting lineup on Monday Night Football vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Steelers might also be getting a first-round linebacker back in their lineup as well.

Ryan Shazier continues to work his way back from a knee injury suffered in the Week 3 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Initially, Shazier's injury was believed to take 3-4 weeks for full recovery and a return to the lineup, and that timetable leads us to now.

In Mike Tomlin's weekly press conference Tuesday, he discussed Shazier's return and left the door open for Shazier depending on his availability in practice this week.

If Shazier is able to be a full participant in practice this week, there's a good chance the rookie will return to his rightful place alongside Lawrence Timmons on the interior of the Steelers' 3-4 defense.

Sean Spence has done a respectable job filling in for Shazier during his time on the sideline, but Shazier has a skill set that few inside linebackers in the NFL possess with his size, speed and quickness.

With defensive starters Ike Taylor (broken arm), Steve McLendon (shoulder) and Jarvis Jones (wrist) all out vs. the Texans, and veteran lineman Brett Keisel's (knee) status up in the air, Shazier's return would be a welcome sight for an ailing defense.