Joe Mixon might have been limited during Tuesday’s walkthrough practice, but the Houston Texans aren’t worried about his status for Saturday’s road test against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Mixon, who’s less than 90 yards away from becoming the first Texans running back to eclipse 1,000 yards in a season since Carlos Hyde in 2019. isn’t concerned, either.
“We’re starting playoff football right now,” Mixon told reporters Tuesday. “I’ve got to be there, and I’m going to be there. I’mma be there for my teammates and obviously for myself.”
Mixon suffered an ankle injury in the first half of Sunday’s win over the Miami Dolphins after linebacker Jordyn Brooks used an illegal hip-drop tackle technique to bring him down. While he never was ruled out, he was limited for most of the second half.
Joe Mixon on whether he expects to play Sunday vs. Chiefs pic.twitter.com/eZMT6oOIfQ
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) December 17, 2024
Mixon said he didn’t blame Brooks for the hit because it differed from the tackle made by Chicago Bears linebacker T.J.Edwards in Week 2 that sidelined him for five games.
“People just get lazy on tackles, and unfortunately, that’s the result,” Mixon said. “The best thing is I’m up walking and obviously finished the game.”
Currently averaging 82.7 yards per game, Mixon’s bell-cow, bruising running style has been a constant toward the offensive success. In games where he rushes for 100 yards, the Texans are 5-2.
Walk-through vibes at today’s Texans practice.
RB Joe Mixon is here but it doesn’t appear he’ll be much of a participant in the physical part. pic.twitter.com/qVi3yINW3M
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) December 17, 2024
Kansas City, which could be without three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes because of an ankle injury, is only giving up 91.9 rushing yards per game, the third-fewest in the league.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.
