Mixon missed practice on Thursday.
The Houston Texans are already missing one of their offensive pillars as they prepare to visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. Without Tank Dell, who coincidentally was injured in the Week 15 meeting between the same teams, the Texans passing attack has fewer proven weapons. Now the ground game might be limited as well.
On Thursday, the Texans were without the services of running back Joe Mixon in practice—a day both sides are making some of their final adjustments before getting some rest heading into the NFL's Divisional Round.
Mixon was officially listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Chiefs.
The news that Mixon was unable to practice makes the ankle injury that landed him on Wednesday's practice report that much more significant—although the Texans could be playing it safe. That said, it's vital to note his absence knowing what Mixon means to Houston's offensive hopes.
Mixon led the Texans with 11 rushing touchdowns and 1,016 rushing yards on the year to go with another 309 receiving yards. The totals were good enough to earn his second Pro Bowl nod (with his other coming in Cincinnati in 2021).
Given the importance of the game, fans should still expect to see Mixon take the field at Arrowhead, but even a limited version of Mixon in the backfield would be a significant handicap for C.J. Stroud and company. Fortunately they do have Dameon Pearce as a capable backup, who had 293 rushing yards on only 40 carries during the regular season, along with Dare Ogunbowale.
Mixon will be motivated to play and especially to put his last performance against the Chiefs behind him. In the Week 15 loss to K.C., Mixon had 8 carries for only 19 total yards.
The Chiefs and Texans are scheduled to open the Divisional Round on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. C.T.
