RB Joe Mixon was ruled out against Jaguars

For the second week in a row, Cam Akers will be the Houston Texans’ leading running back. Already without backup Dameon Pierce, Houston ruled out Joe Mixon with a sprained ankle.

Mixon returned to practice on Friday, prompting some optimism that he could return. He arrived Sunday as a game-time decision but will not be on the field as he continues to rehabilitate the ankle injury he suffered in Week 2.

#Texans excludes running back Joe Mixon per league source. He returned to training on Friday and looked good in the first practice since his ankle sprain. The prospects for next week are good. Cam Akers meets RB1 again today #Jaguars @KPRC2

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 29, 2024

The former Pro Bowl running back departed early in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears after linebacker TJ Edwards committed an apparent hip drop tackle, which was banned by the league in the offseason. Edwards was fined $16,883 for the play.

Mixon rushed for a team-high 184 yards in the first two weeks, including a 159-yard debut in the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts. Since the Texans gained 213 yards in Week 1, they have only managed 113 total yards on the ground.

Akers will once again handle leadback duties after rushing for 21 yards on nine attempts. Akers is in his first season with Houston after previous stints with the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings.

Houston also elevated running back JJ Taylor from the practice squad to provide more depth behind Akers and return Dare Ogunbowale.

Mixon and Tank Dell are two of the offensive weapons missing for quarterback CJ Stroud, who will look to lift the unit after scoring just seven points a week ago.