While the Houston Texans could be without running back Joe Mixon for another week, they could have one name coming off the injured list.
According to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Dameon Pierce is expected to resume activities and play in Sunday’s matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The third-year running back has been dealing with a hamstring issue and hasn’t played since Week 1.
In Week 3’s 34-7 loss against the Minnesota Vikings, Houston turned to former second-round pick Cam Akers as the lead back. Despite finding the end zone on a 6-yard pass from C.J. Stroud, Akers averaged 2.9 yards per attempt on nine carries.
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The Texans could make him the feature back against the winless Jags, but having Pierce would elevate the run game and take pressure off Stroud to win vertically.
Mixon, who suffered an ankle injury in Week 2’s win over the Bears, didn’t practice last week. The 2021 Pro Bowler didn’t make the trip to Minneapolis and could be held out until Week 5’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
“We will see where those guys are as the week goes on,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said of Pierce and Mixon’s status.
Houston hasn’t been able to duplicate its Week 1 success on the ground without Mixon. Over the past two games, the Texans have averaged less than 3.1 yards. They’ve yet to find the end zone on the ground, too.
Kickoff in the second divisional game of the season is scheduled for noon CT.