Texans' Joe Mixon Calls Out 'Weak-Ass Hip-Drop Tackle' That Caused Ankle Injury

As the NFL continues to try to reduce injuries caused by hip-drop tackles, Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon voiced his frustration about the move.

Mixon suffered an ankle injury against the Chicago Bears in Week 2 when linebacker T.J. Edwards used the illegal hip-drop tackle to bring him down and has not returned to the field yet.

"I was the No. 1 leader in rushing. I was stopped because of that weak-ass hip-drop tackle," Mixon said, per ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime. "I can't do nothing about that. It's frustrating, it is what it is. I want to be out there more than anybody."

Edwards was fined just $16,883 in what Mixon believed was an inadequate fine after other players have had to pay much more for what Mixon deemed as protecting themselves.

"You got guys out here protecting themselves from hits and they are getting fined $45,000, and $50,000," Mixon said. "And for an illegal hip drop tackle they're getting fined $16,000 when it's supposed to be an emphasis, it's supposed to be taken out of the game. So obviously the priorities ain't right with what's going on. It is frustrating to see, but it is what it is. If we're gonna talk about playing the game the right way, we got to have integrity for the game when it comes to it."

The NFL banned the hip-drop tackle this offseason after analyzing the amount of injuries it causes. The use of the tackling technique now warrants a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down. It can also bring on fines, like the one Edwards got.

Mixon also took to social media to express his frustration about the hip-drop tackle.

As Mixon said, he led the league in rushing yards before the injury after tallying a league-high 159 rushing yards and a touchdown in Week 1. He had 25 yards on nine carries before the injury in Week 2.

He practiced for the first time since the injury last Thursday but did not play in Week 4. He was on the practice field on Thursday ahead of Houston's matchup with the New England Patriots on Sunday, but said he's still undecided about playing.