The Houston Texans started the season with a loaded passing attack led by quarterback C.J. Stroud and receivers Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell. As injuries to their pass catchers have mounted, the Texans have had to lean more on its running game. Now, their lead running back is compromised as well.
Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon missed three early regular-season games with an ankle injury but had four straight 100-yard rushing games upon his return in October. Mixon had 106 yards rushing in last Saturday’s wild card matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers, his most since week 11 against the Cowboys.
In the Texans’ week 16 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, who they face in the divisional round Saturday, Mixon had 14 carries for 57 yards. The Chiefs were eighth in the NFL in rushing yards allowed and fifth in opponent yards per carry this season.
With a divisional-round matchup with Kansas City quickly approaching, let’s check in on Mixon’s status.
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Joe Mixon injury update: Latest new on Texans’ RB
Mixon seemed perfectly healthy after Houston’s 32-12 throttling of the Chargers last Saturday. However, on Thursday, Houston listed Mixon as questionable with an ankle injury ahead of their divisional-round playoff matchup Saturday against the Chiefs.
Mixon was a limited practice participant Wednesday and did not practice Thursday because of the ankle injury. Whether this is the same ankle Mixon injured in week two against the Chicago Bears is unclear, but according to NFL insider Ian Rappaport, it is not a serious injury and Mixon should be cleared to go.
From @GMFB: It’s looking like no Zay Flowers (knee) for the #Ravens this week, while #Texans RB Joe Mixon is believed to have a real shot to play on Saturday vs the #Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/nSAAUtLXM8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 17, 2025
The questionable label appears to be out of an abundance of caution. Mixon was spotted Friday boarding the Texans team bus without a noticeable limp or a brace on his ankle.
Texans running back, Joe Mixon who was listed as questionable with an ankle injury loaded the bus without any noticeable pain or limp. pic.twitter.com/47jr88viSM
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) January 17, 2025
Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz also reported Friday that Mixon, along with Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair, is expected to play against Kansas City.
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Texans RB depth chart
| Rank | Name |
| 1 | Joe Mixon |
| 2 | Dameon Pierce |
| 3 | Dare Ogunbowale |
If Mixon is sidelined, the Texans will rely on Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale to carry their rushing attack. Pierce rushed for 293 yards and two touchdowns this season, including a career-high 178 yards with a 92-yard touchdown run in a week 18 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Ogunbowale is primarily used on special teams, but has rushed for 1112 yards and one touchdown in his career and has caught 19 passes for 198 yards and one score.
