Joe Mixon might be cleared to play Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, but his status remains a mystery.
Mixon, along with Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, did not participate during Wednesday’s practice. It’s noticeable since Mixon practiced Friday prior to Sunday’s 24-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
When asked if he’d be cleared for Week 5’s matchup, Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said that Mixon would be “day-to-day.”
Optimistic me: it’s only Wednesday, basically a vet rest day. Joe Mixon probably practices Thursday/Friday and plays.
Pessimistic me: maybe this is another Lisfranc injury that’s misdiagnosed and he misses 10+ games like 2020.
Actual take: Lean towards playing w/ 20% prod. dip https://t.co/Zpy62qWUIH
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) October 2, 2024
Mixon hasn’t played since suffering an ankle injury in Week 2’s win over the Chicago Bears after leaving with an ankle injury in the third quarter. In Week 1, he set the tone after rushing for 159 yards and a touchdown in a win against the Indianapolis Colts.
Mixon’s status for Thursday’s practice could give a better picture of his status since it is Texans’ most strenuous practice. Fridays are lightweight and won’t truly indicate if Mixon could play.
The Texans’ rushing attack has struggled without Mixon as the feature runner over the past two games. Cam Akers found his way into the end zone against the Minnesota Vikings, but it came through the air on a 6-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud.
#Texans Joe Mixon (ankle) not practicing today which isn't unusual for a player coming off injury. Last week he did Friday practice then was inactive as a gametime decision. @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/3hRUrsJ9YF
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 2, 2024
The same happened in Sunday’s win at NRG Stadium when Dare Ogunbowale caught a pass from Stroud for a 1-yard touchdown with 18 seconds remaining.
Defensive end Derek Barnett (shoulder) and running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) also missed practice.
Kickoff against the 3-1 Bills is scheduled for noon CT.
