RENTON -- Changing cities, trying to learn a new defense and the players lining up around you, even just learning where to find everything you need inside a new team facility is all a bit much to absorb in such a short amount of time. It's still a mountain Jadeveon Clowney is trying to climb three weeks into his existence as a member of the Seahawks.
Clowney is happy to be in Seattle, but the trade from the Houston Texans right before the start of the regular season has brought about its own challenges as well that the Pro Bowl defensive end is trying to master
"I'm still settling in. Overall it's a good change up, good change of scenery for me," Clowney said.
"It's still crazy to me sometimes going through it. Overall, I'm adjusting. The guys are helping me out around here. Got a lot of great guys around here just helping me get adjusted and learn the playbook and figure out Seattle."
Even though Clowney has experience in a 4-3 defense before during his time at the University of South Carolina, he said Thursday that Seattle's scheme is a bit of an adjustment. He hasn't been in a four-down front since college as the Houston Texans employed a 3-4 scheme during his time with the team.
"It's been a little different," Clowney said. "I just feel like when you're a good player you prevail and figure it out and learn what to do and just take it as it comes. I can show I can play any system. That's what I'm just trying to prove to people, that I can play any system and make plays. I'm just still trying to find my way and come along with that and try to get involved more than I have in the past few games here and try to get going and make some plays the next few weeks."
He does expect a stiff challenge to be presented by the Saints this week even without quarterback Drew Brees in the lineup. Brees has started all but two games for New Orleans since joining the team in 2006. Trying to project exactly what Teddy Bridgewater and Taysom Hill will bring to the table and how Saints head coach Sean Payton will try to use the two players will be quite the challenge in Clowney's opinion.
"It's very challenging," he said. "That's one the craziest offenses with their head coach Sean Payton behind them. Smart guy, they game-plan well. Great linemen, great guys around the quarterback to help calm him down whoever it is at the gun."
Clowney jumped into the lineup Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals with just four practices under his belt in Seattle. He started last week's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and has managed four tackles and a sack in his two games with the Seahawks.
"I always feel like I can do better no matter what I'm doing," Clowney said. "Learning curve from game one to game two is a lot better. As far as learning to where I can just start playing and being myself and playing in the system the way I want to."
Injury Updates:
-- Free safety Tedric Thompson returned to practice after missing the last four sessions dating back to last week following a hamstring injury sustained against the Bengals in the season opener. Thompson was limited on Thursday and is uncertain to be available for Sunday's game against the Saints.
-- Right guard D.J. Fluker also returned to practice after missing Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury sustained at the bottom of a pile in the win over the Steelers.
-- Wide receiver David Moore (fractured humerus) and left guard Mike Iupati (foot) both were full participants on Thursday after being limited on Thursday. Both appear on track to play against New Orleans.
-- Defensive end Ziggy Ansah fully participated for a second-straight practice and appears to be destined to make his debut with the team against the Saints on Sunday.
-- Defensive tackle Poona Ford has been limited in practice the last two days and may end up being a game-time decision for Seattle. He sustained a strained calf in the season opener against the Bengals.
-- Cornerback Tre Flowers was added to the injury report on Thursday due to an ankle issue that saw him be limited in Thursday's session.
Injury Report:
Photo Credit: SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 08: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Seattle Seahawks defends against Cincinnati Bengals in the second quarter at CenturyLink Field on September 8, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)