When the Texans traded for Joe Mixon this offseason, they understood his body had been through ample during his time in Cincinnati.
Mixon, a 2017 second-round pick, averaged 253 carries per season during his seven years with the AFC North franchise. He posted four 1,000-yard seasons and averaged 4.2 yards per attempt.
The Texans need Mixon for the regular season, not training camp. While having him work with the first-team offense would be nice, it’s not a dealbreaker for the run game’s overall outlook.
Plus, it’s a chance to get a look at the other talents competing for the title of RB2.
Mixon, who missed his sixth consecutive practice on Monday, did show signs of progress leading up to the Hall of Fame Game. Over the past week, he’s been working out on the side field.
Joe Mixon is at practice today but not practicing.
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) July 29, 2024
On Monday, he watched drills alongside running backs coach Danny Barrett. During 11-on-11 reps, he offered advice to Dameon Pierce and rookie Jahwar Jordan.
Jordan, a sixth-round pick out of Louisville, bulldozed past several defenders for a touchdown during team reps. As he crossed the pylon, Mixon was the first to greet him for a celebratory hug.
“I’ve never played with a guy like Joe,” Pierce said last week. “A back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher in this league. That’s somebody I aspire to be. That’s something I aspire to do. That’s a standard I have for myself. That’s something I think every back wants in this league, especially being a young guy.
“Having Joe is a great addition.”
Pierce currently is seeing a majority of the first-team reps. Unless a team offers an extensive package to twist Houston’s arm into making a deal, he’s likely a lock to make the roster.
Everyone else is fighting for reps heading into the Hall of Fame Game. Dare Ogunbowale, who kicked a PAT last season against the Buccaneers, offers value in the passing game similar to Mixon, but he’s decreased on special teams.
Dameon Pierce with an AWESOME answer about the addition of Joe Mixon.
Rather than look at it in a negative light, he’s chosen to highlight the positives.
Also says Mixon has been in his top 5 of current RBs 🫡 pic.twitter.com/DCQVfZ6Amp
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) July 27, 2024
Jordan, who rushed for over 1,100 yards in his final season with the Cardinals, has shown the quick burst and agility often praised for a third-down back. Even J.J. Taylor and undrafted rookie British Brooks have shown potential.
Mixon’s fighting back to see the field, but the Texans have an internal fight at the running back position. He likely won’t suit up on Thursday, but the remaining five should see a field.
“That’s the benefit of playing in the Hall of Fame game, having young backs, seeing them go out and execute in a game,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “That’s when guys really surprise a lot of people. It’s hard to tell in practice, but you’ll see guys really step up in a game and see who’s ready to compete and contribute to our team.”
The Texans leave for Ohio on Wednesday morning. They’ll practice all next week in Cleveland before traveling over to Pittsburgh to face off against the Steelers.