Texans RBs Joe Mixon (ankle), Dameon Pierce (hamstring) sit out practice

The Houston Texans are about to rely on running back Cam Akers for the second straight week as running backs Joe Mixon and Damon Pierce missed practice for a second straight day Thursday.

Pierce, the team's leading rusher in the 2022 draft class, is battling a hamstring injury. Mixon, who joined the Texans this offseason after seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, was ruled out week to week after suffering a sprained ankle in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears.

Mixon, 28, is the team's leading rusher, rushing for 184 yards on 39 carries despite missing last week's 34-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

In his absence, the 25-year-old Akers led the team with just 21 yards on nine carries (2.3 yards per carry). The Texans (2-1) gained just 38 yards as a team.

Pierce, 24, has also missed a lot of games, appearing in just one game this season (Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts), running the ball three times for 16 yards. Although he missed practice Thursday for the second consecutive time, the team is optimistic he will return soon.

Pierce ran for 939 yards in 2022 and 416 yards last season.

Wide receiver Tank Dale (hand/ribs) and safety Jimmy Ward (groin) also did not practice Thursday as the Texans prepare to face the Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3) on Sunday.

Wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) and defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (shoulder) played limited action.

Meanwhile, Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (knee) was injured. Linebacker Foyesade Olokun is reportedly out with a foot issue, plantar fasciitis, and is expected to miss several weeks. Tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) has been out since a scrimmage game against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 15.

Placed on the restricted list Thursday were running back Tank Bisby (shoulder), offensive lineman Cam Robinson (knee), wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) and defensive back Darnell • Savage (quadriceps), Jarrian Jones (shoulder) and Montalik Brown (chest).

–Scene-level media