The Houston Texans will be without running back Joe Mixon for their Sunday matchup against the Minnesota Vikings due to an ankle injury. The team confirmed this decision on Saturday, stating that Mixon would not travel to Minnesota.
Mixon suffered the injury early in the third quarter during Houston’s recent victory over the Chicago Bears. Although he briefly returned for two plays, he did not participate in practice throughout the week and was listed as doubtful on Friday.
Having previously spent seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Mixon made a strong debut with the Texans in Week 1, rushing for 159 yards and a touchdown, which earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
In addition to Mixon, Houston will also be missing backup running back Dameon Pierce, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury for the second consecutive game. This leaves third-stringer Cam Akers to take the starting role.
Akers, who played for the Vikings last season before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in November, had seven carries for 32 yards but lost a fumble in the red zone during Houston’s win against Chicago. The Texans also announced that offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson would not travel to Minnesota due to a calf injury.
