Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon suffered an injury during the second half of Sunday Night Football. Unfortunately, that injury was not one that Mixon could simply shake off after gameday. It appears to be impacting him into Week 3 and could cause him to miss time going forward.
What is the latest injury update for Mixon, and could he potentially be out for Week 3?
What Is the Latest Injury News Surrounding Joe Mixon Ahead of Week 3?
Early in the third quarter of Sunday’s game, Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards brought Mixon down using what appeared to be a hip-drop tackle, which the NFL banned earlier this year. However, no flag was thrown.
On the play, Mixon’s right leg was rolled up, and he was in pain as he left the field. After being evaluated in the blue medical tent, Mixon went back to the locker room.
Hip-drop tackle on Joe Mixon with no flag called. He's now questionable to return to the game. pic.twitter.com/qJtLCFe6qu
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 16, 2024
The Texans announced that Mixon was questionable to return with a left ankle injury. Fortunately, he returned to the Texans’ sideline and was spotted running with roughly five minutes remaining in the third quarter. Mixon eventually returned to the lineup on Houston’s penultimate play of the quarter.
However, the Texans were still cautious with Mixon for the rest of the game, using Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbuwale at times. Mixon finished the game with nine carries for 25 yards while adding three receptions for 25 yards.
This was a far cry from Mixon’s Week 1 performance when he lit up the Indianapolis Colts for 159 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries in the Texans’ win. This was the third 30-carry game of Mixon’s career and the fifth time he’d surpassed 150 yards on the ground.
When head coach DeMeco Ryans spoke to the media on Monday, he did not give a clear indication of the timetable for Mixon’s injury. He told reporters that the team would “evaluate Joe throughout the week.” That news was not as bad as some feared, but it was not overly optimistic either.
On Wednesday morning, in his column for ESPN, Dan Graziano reported that the Texans are not expecting Mixon’s ankle to be a season-ender but that the RB might have to miss a game or more. He added that how much Mixon could do at practice this week will help to determine a timetable for his potential return.
Houston #Texans Friday Injury Report & Game Status Report for Week 3 at the Minnesota Vikings: pic.twitter.com/HhzVgBu97q
— Houston Texans PR (@TexansPR) September 20, 2024
Mixon was not able to practice all week and, for some reason, got tagged as doubtful, but the team ahead of their clash on Sunday. It would not be a surprise in the slightest if Mixon is downgraded to out Saturday. The Texans likely gave him the doubtful tag just to buy themselves 24 more hours to see whether the RB could travel to Minnesota with the team.
It would be hugely surprising if Mixon were able to make the trip and even more surprising if he plays. With Dameon Pierce also ruled out, the Texans’ depth chart is looking a little thin, with only Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale remaining as options on the current 53-man roster.
They do have J.J. Taylor on the practice squad, and if he is elevated by the team on Saturday before the 4 p.m. ET deadline, that will be another sign that Mixon is not set to suit up in Week 3.
Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale Are Names That Should be on Fantasy Radars in Week 3
When Mixon was out of the game last week, Akers and Ogunbowale received touches. With Dameon Pierce out due to a hamstring injury (he remains a non-participant on Wednesday of Week 3), those are the next two backs up for the Texans.
Ogunbowale saw the majority of the playing time between the two in Week 2, being on the field for 19 snaps, having also played on 13 snaps in Week 1. Of those 32 snaps, Ogunbowale has run 19 routes, played on three rushing snaps, and stayed in to block on the remaining 10 snaps. He is clearly the option that the Texans trust in the passing game.
In contrast, Akers did not play in Week 1 and saw 13 snaps in Week 2. He split those snaps fairly evenly, with seven rushing snaps and six routes. He was not asked to stay in to block on any of his snaps in Week 2.
Based on the small sample size we have, it looks as though Akers would be the team’s first- and second-down backs, with Ogunbowale playing on third down and in two-minute situations.
Based on those roles, Akers has the most value in non-PPR formats with Ogunbowale having more value in PPR. Akers is probably the more all-around option, but both could have roles this week against the Vikings.
If Mixon were to be active, fantasy managers should be very hesitant about using him. There is a good chance that any activation would simply be a decoy or a specific role they are looking for. If Mixon does play, the chances or re-injury are relatively high and could mean we see him exit again after just a snap or two.
Taylor will have little to no fantasy value if he is elevated. He would purely be there for backup purposes and would not be expected to see enough snaps to have any kind of value.