Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon is nearing his long-awaited return.
Mixon, who suffered a high ankle sprain against the Bears in Week 2 and missed the past three games, is expected to return to the lineup on Sunday against the New England Patriots, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Mixon has since been declared active for the game.
Mixon started off the week sitting out of practice on Wednesday, but after two limited sessions did enough to receive a questionable designation heading into the weekend.
The Texans will be happy to see him back, as they’ve struggled to replicate his production.
It’s a small sample size, but Mixon has looked every bit the perfect fit in Houston’s run scheme. He kicked off the season with 159 rushing yards and a touchdown in his first game for his new squad, a 29-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Despite seeing no action the past three contests, Mixon remains the team’s leading rusher with 184 yards. Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale combined to provide the Texans a modicum of backfield relief in Mixon’s absence, combining for 188 yards on the ground — although Ogunbowale did provide 155 yards receiving, as well.
Those two will take a back seat once again to both Mixon and likely Dameon Pierce, who is off the injury report after sitting out four weeks with a hamstring injury.
The infusion of a top-tier talent back in Houston’s running game is especially important given star wide receiver Nico Collins‘ recent trip to injured reserve due to a hamstring injury of his own.
With those offensive pieces shuffled around, the Texans (4-1) will look to capture a third straight victory when they square off against the Patriots (1-4) at 1 p.m. ET.
Other injuries we are keeping an eye on ahead of Sunday’s Week 6 games:
- Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (knee), who is listed as questionable and missed Week 5, is unlikely to play against the Packers on Sunday, Rapoport reported. Prater has since been declared inactive.
- Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (ankle) is expected to play against the Commanders on Sunday, Rapoport reported. Humphrey is officially active.
- Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) should be good to go Sunday against the Falcons, Rapoport reported.
- Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) is inactive for Sunday’s game against the Titans. Rapoport reported that Michael Pittman (back) is expected to be active against Tennessee and Josh Downs (toe) has a good chance of playing. Pittman and Downs are both active.
- Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee) and tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) are both active against the Bears in London.
- Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) is considered a long shot to play against the Steelers on Sunday despite returning to Friday’s practice in a limited fashion, Rapoport reported.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers safeties Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) and Jordan Whitehead (groin) are both likely to play Sunday against the Saints, Rapoport reported. Offensive tackle Luke Goedeke (concussion) and defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (calf) should also both suit up, per Rapoport. All four mentioned Bucs are officially active versus the Falcons.
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