Texans’ DeMeco Ryans ‘Holding Out Hope’ Joe Mixon Plays vs. Vikings amid Ankle Injury

Julia StumbaughSeptember 18, 2024

Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters he is “holding out hope” running back Joe Mixon will be available for next Monday’s game against the Washington Commanders.

Mixon suffered an ankle injury following a tackle by Chicago Bears linebacker TJ Edwards during Sunday’s 19-13 win.

If he is forced to miss time, the Texans’ running back depth will be tested as the team turns to Cam Akers to step up in his absence.

Ryans said on Monday that he believed the hit on Mixon was “definitely” an example of a hip-drop tackle, which has been banned by the NFL during the offseason. Edwards was not penalized on the play.

Mixon expressed disappointment with the NFL’s decision not to call a penalty on social media following the win.

B/R Gridiron @brgridironJoe Mixon calls out NFL/NFLPA on hip drop tackle 😳 pic.twitter.com/K4F16Nqp9O

ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that as of Tuesday evening Mixon’s injury was not anticipated to end his season, but could necessitate “a game or more” spent on the sideline.

Graziano noted that initial test run on Mixon’s ankle, which NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported included an MRI, were “encouraging.”

“How much, if anything, Mixon can do at practice this week will help determine a timetable,” Pelissero wrote.

Mixon sat out practice on Wednesday, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.

The former Pro Bowl running back, who signed a three-year extension in Houston this offseason, leads the Texans with 184 rushing yards and a touchdown on 39 carries through two games.

Akers, who has rushed for seven carries and 32 yards in one appearance, would be likely to get a larger workload in his potential absence, as would Dameon Pierce if he is able to make his return from a strained hamstring.

Pierce recorded 939 yards during his 2022 rookie season, but lost his starting job amid a disappointing 2023 campaign during which he was limited by injuries. So far this season he has appeared in one game, recording three carries for 16 yards.

If Pierce remains sidelined by injury on Monday the Texans could alternatively turn to veteran backup Dare Ogunbowale for more carries.

Whatever the solution, the Texans will hope to get Mixon back on the field as soon as possible as they look for him to repeat the 1,000 rushing-yard campaign he achieved with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023.