Injury roundup: Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) expected to return to lineup Sunday against Patriots Oct 13, 2024

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon is nearing his long-awaited return.

Mixon, who suffered a high ankle sprain against the Bears in Week 2 and missed the past three games, is expected to return to the lineup on Sunday against the New England Patriots, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.

Mixon started off the week sitting out of practice on Wednesday, but after two limited sessions did enough to receive a questionable designation heading into the weekend.

The Texans will be happy to see him back, as they’ve struggled to replicate his production.

It’s a small sample size, but Mixon has looked every bit the perfect fit in Houston’s run scheme. He kicked off the season with 159 rushing yards and a touchdown in his first game for his new squad, a 29-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Despite seeing no action the past three contests, Mixon remains the team’s leading rusher with 184 yards. Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale combined to provide the Texans a modicum of backfield relief in Mixon’s absence, combining for 188 yards on the ground — although Ogunbowale did provide 155 yards receiving, as well.

Those two will take a back seat once again to both Mixon and likely Dameon Pierce, who is off the injury report after sitting out four weeks with a hamstring injury.

The infusion of a top-tier talent back in Houston’s running game is especially important given star wide receiver Nico Collins’ recent trip to injured reserve due to a hamstring injury of his own.

With those offensive pieces shuffled around, the Texans (4-1) will look to capture a third straight victory when they square off against the Patriots (1-4) at 1 p.m. ET.

Other injuries we are keeping an eye on ahead of Sunday’s Week 6 games: