As the Houston Texans prepare to take on the New York Giants, one part of their offense won’t take the field.
Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon will not suit up for the noon kickoff in the preseason home opener. During warm-up drills, Mixon was seen in street clothes next to the rest of the running backs.
Texans RB Joe Mixon isn’t playing today. He’s in street clothes.
No need to play him this preseason. He’s a consistent 1,000 yard back. Keep him fresh for the season.
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) August 17, 2024
Mixon, who signed a three-year, $27 million extension after being traded from Cincinnati earlier this offseason, has been dealing with a calf injury since the start of training camp. He didn’t practice for two weeks and did not play along with other starters in Houston’s 20-12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He returned on Sunday and went through drills throughout the week, so perhaps this is more of a precautionary move for the team to protect its top tailback.
Practicing, even at a limited capacity, is a sign that Mixon should be clear for the Week 1 opener against the Indianapolis Colts. The Texans need the four-time 1,000-yard rusher if they plan on improving off their 23rd-ranked ground game from last season.
Mixon, a 2017 second-round pick out of Oklahoma, has been the definition of consistency over the past seven years. Over his past four seasons, Mixon has averaged 219 carries and 41 receptions per campaign.
“Joe is solid, he’s an all-around back. When it comes to blocking, catching, running the football, Joe is all-around,” Ryans said Thursday. “He’s a strong, physical player. That allows him to do really well in pass protection. You can ask a lot of him in pass protection, he matches up well vs. any blitzers whether it’s linebackers or secondary defenders.”
With Mixon out, the Texans will turn once again to Dameon Pierce and Cam Akers as the lead backs. Through two preseason games, the duo has combined for 34 yards on 14 carries.