NFL Rumors: Joe Mixon Plans to Return from Ankle Injury for Texans vs. Patriots

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon is aiming to play Sunday against the New England Patriots, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

The Texans listed Mixon as questionable in their injury report after he didn't practice Wednesday and was limited on Thursday and Friday.

The 2021 Pro Bowler missed Houston's last three games due to an ankle injury. By not placing him on injured reserve, the team left open the possibility of him suiting up in Week 6. An IR designation would've required him to sit out a minimum of four games.

Mixon got his season off to a strong start, running for 159 yards and a touchdown in a 29-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1. He expressed his frustration with how a hip-drop tackle in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears led to him getting hurt.

"I was the No. 1 leader in rushing. I was stopped because of that weak-ass hip-drop tackle," he told reporters Thursday. "I can't do nothing about that. It's frustrating, it is what it is. I want to be out there more than anybody."

Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards, who made the tackle, received a $16,883 fine from the NFL for the hit.

It's telling that Mixon remains the Texans' leading rusher despite being out of the lineup for so long. Cam Akers is second with 148 yards and is averaging nearly a yard fewer (3.9) than Mixon (4.7).

Patriots rookie Drake Maye is making his first start this week and the New England defense is allowing the ninth-most yards in the league.

Houston should be able to come away victorious regardless of whether Mixon is available. His return would undoubtedly be a boost to the rushing attack, though.