Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon has been dealing with a high-ankle sprain ever since Week 2 when Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards brought him down using a hip-drop tackle. Will Mixon play in Week 6 against the New England Patriots?
The Latest on Joe Mixon’s Injury
Mixon has missed three games due to his ankle injury, but he practiced for a second consecutive day on Friday. While he’s listed as questionable, Mixon is expected to play against the Patriots in Week 6, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.
Mixon put up 159 rushing yards on 30 carries in Week 1, his first game as a Texan, but went down after nine carries in Week 2. He managed one limited practice in Week 4 but otherwise had not practiced or played until this week.
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
Houston could take it easy with Mixon if he returns on Sunday, especially because RB2 Dameon Pierce (hamstring) is also on track to suit up this week. Pierce hasn’t played since Week 1, when he received just three carries behind Mixon.
MORE: Joe Mixon Fantasy Hub: Projections, Start/Sit Analysis, Trade Advice, More
It remains to be seen what kind of workload Mixon will handle, but Texans fans and fantasy managers who roster Mixon are certainly excited that he’s finally returning to action.
Kyle Soppe’s Fantasy Outlook for Joe Mixon
This nagging ankle injury has now resulted in as many missed games for Mixon in succession as he sat over the previous two seasons combined (three).
As a 28-year-old running back with over 2,000 NFL touches on his body, Mixon’s profile carried health risk this summer — you knew what you were getting into.
Houston’s dropback percentage in one-score games:
- Weeks 1-2: 57.6% (19th)
- Weeks 3-4: 69.1% (fourth)
Every team in the league played two games in both of those windows, so while the sample size isn’t huge, at least it’s the same for all involved. In the two weeks in which Mixon was active, Houston leaned into the ground game, something that is good to see when it comes to the long-term value of their RB1.
If the team with Mixon is leaking oil, buying low is something I’d strongly consider if you’re in a decent position in the standings. Could you land Mixon in a deal centered around J.K. Dobbins? Something like that would have my interest as you look to build a winner when all of the chips are in the middle of the table.