The Houston Texans will host the Jacksonville Jaguars for a divisional clash on Sunday, looking to bounce back from a tough loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
And while they hope to get their starting running back out there, he’s reportedly facing an ‘uphill battle’ to get back on the field.
According to a report by Ian Rapoport, the star running back has put in a lot of work to make his return after missing the previous game.
#Texans RB Joe Mixon, who returned to practice on Friday and is listed as questionable, is considered a game-time decision, source said. Mixon (ankle) has worked hard to be back and even though it seems to be an uphill climb to play, he hasn’t given up trying. He’ll test it out.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 29, 2024
He hasn’t given up on the idea of playing and will reportedly test it out, so he’s officially a game-time decision.
The Texans also have Dameon Pierce on the shelf with an injury, so this could be another opportunity for Cam Akers to start.
Mixon logged nine carries for 25 yards and added three receptions for another 25 yards in his last outing.
Thus far, he’s rushed for a team-high 184 yards on 39 carries, averaging 92.0 rushing yards per game.
Of course, the offense will continue to rely on CJ Stroud’s passing, and rightfully so, but you can never be one-dimensional if you want to have success in this league.
The visiting Jaguars have yet to win a game this season.
Doug Pederson is reportedly on the hot seat, so they will approach this divisional contest as a can’t-lose, playoff-like matchup.
Even so, injuries are tricky, and we’re still early on the season, so Mixon and the Texans might want to play it safely here.
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Texans Get Key Player Back At Practice Friday