The Houston Texans will be without running back Joe Mixon for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings due to an ankle injury. The team made the announcement on Saturday, confirming that Mixon will not travel with the team to Minnesota.
Mixon sustained the injury during the Texans’ victory over the Chicago Bears last Sunday night. He was hurt early in the third quarter, briefly returned for two plays, but was unable to practice throughout the week. On Friday, he was listed as doubtful for the upcoming game, and it has now been confirmed that he will sit out.
Mixon, who spent his first seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, made a strong debut for Houston in Week 1, rushing for 159 yards and scoring a touchdown. His impressive performance earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
In addition to Mixon’s absence, the Texans will also be without backup running back Dameon Pierce for the second consecutive game due to a hamstring injury. This leaves third-string running back Cam Akers as the starter for Sunday’s game. Akers, who previously played for the Vikings before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in November of last year, will face his former team.
During the Texans’ win over the Bears, Akers had seven carries for 32 yards but lost a fumble in the red zone, a mistake he will hope to bounce back from in his starting role against Minnesota.
The Texans also announced that offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson will not make the trip to Minnesota because of a calf injury, adding to the team’s injury woes.
With key players like Mixon, Pierce, and Patterson out, the Texans face a challenge heading into Sunday’s matchup. Cam Akers will need to step up in the running game, and the offensive line will have to adjust without Patterson. Mixon’s absence is a significant blow, considering his strong start to the season, but the Texans will look to overcome these setbacks as they take on the Vikings.
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