The Houston Texans are incredibly fortunate that they have vast depth within their offensive weapons arsenal. Nico Collins was recently placed on IR and Joe Mixon has been out since Week 2, yet Houston's offensive outlook is still overwhelmingly positive
Collins isn't eligible to return until Week 10, but Mixon can suit up whenever he's healthy. He's missed three straight games after injuring his ankle as a result of a hip-drop tackle in Week 2.
The Texans would significantly benefit from Mixon's return. Replacement running back Cam Akers has averaged just 3.7 yards per carry in relief of Mixon and he has yet to eclipse 55 rushing yards in a single game. Mixon's return would completely revamp this backfield.
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Will Joe Mixon play this week? Injury update on Texans' RB
UPDATE: Mixon is officially active for Week 6 against the Patriots.
After not practicing prior to Weeks 3, 4, or 5, Mixon was finally able to practice in a limited capacity this Thursday and Friday. The team has officially designated him as "questionable" for Week 6. However, NFL insider Jordan Schultz has reported that the plan is for Mixon to play.
Source: #Texans Pro Bowl RB Joe Mixon plans to play Sunday vs the #Patriots.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 12, 2024
A welcome addition for CJ Stroud and Houston, who are missing Nico Collins (IR) and Robert Woods (foot). Mixon (ankle) is listed as questionable. pic.twitter.com/eFCrjspW3V
Barring a pregame setback, fans should expect to see Mixon on the field this week. He'll be the featured piece of the Texans' ground game as they take on the Patriots.
Texans' RB Depth Chart: Who is Who is Joe Mixons's Backup?
As previously mentioned, Cam Akers was Houston's primary rusher in Mixon's absence over the last few weeks. NFL journeyman Dare Ogunbowale has also played a role in this backfield, primarily taking snaps on passing downs.
However, a unique set of circumstances thrust this duo onto the field in recent weeks. Mixon's direct backup, Dameon Pierce, has also been injured (hamstring) and has not played since Week 1. Pierce is off the injury report and would likely serve as the RB1 if Mixon suffers a setback and is unable to play.
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Joe Mixon fantasy outlook Week 6
Veteran running backs returning from ankle injuries often create sticky situations in fantasy. Just ask anyone who drafted Austin Ekeler last year. Ideally, you'd have the depth at running back to leave Mixon on the bench this week and evaluate the situation. However, given the matchup against New England and the general scarcity of talent at running back, Mixon will have to be started in the vast majority of leagues.
Mixon currently comes in at RB13 in our Week 6 RB rankings. The Texans are seven-point favorites against the Texans, indicating that this should be a game script that leads to heavy usage for Mixon. Assuming he's fully healthy, he'll see the bulk of the carries for Houston and should be provided with an opportunity to punch in a touchdown to cap off a scoring drive. This is a very strong matchup for Mixon to return to.
