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The Houston Texans' running back Joe Mixon could not have started the season and started his tenure with his new team any better. His 159 rushing yards and a touchdown in Week 1 probably won millions of fantasy footballers their opening games.
Too bad Week 2 was an unmitigated fantasy disaster for Mixon. After being held to 25 yards on nine carries by the Chicago Bears, Mixon had his ankle rolled up on after being dragged down to the ground and was in obvious agony. He left the game and was a fantasy non-factor for the rest of the evening.
Now fantasy managers who roster Mixon are left in a lurch, wondering what his availability will be for Week 2. So, what is Mixon’s status? Is Houston’s top tailback hurt or healthy? Here is the latest:
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Is Joe Mixon Hurt or Healthy?
Well, he is definitely not 100 percent healthy. Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans said Mixon will have his ankle evaluated this week and then the team will announce what his availability will be for this weekend. However, according to Aaron Wilson of KRPC2 in Houston, the ankle injury is not considered serious.
#Texans veteran running back Joe Mixon ankle injury not considered long term or serious, per league sources.
Dameon Pierce making fast progress from minor strained hamstring, per source.
And safety M.J. Stewart close to returning from knee-quad injury, per sources @KPRC2— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 17, 2024
Should I Pick Up Cam Akers?
If Mixon cannot suit up Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, backup Akers would likely be the one getting the bulk of the backfield work. Akers has experience being the top tailback on a team from his days as the RB1 for the Los Angeles Rams. Minnesota is ranked eighth in run defense after two weeks, though the Vikings did allow San Francisco’s Jordan Mason to run for 100 yards this past Sunday.
Fantasy managers know that Akers is a feast-or-famine back. He had times where he blew up for 100 yards when he started, but there have been times when he left games early with season-ending injuries or been pulled after lackluster first-quarter running. While he is a risky proposition, Akers is probably one of the better RB options available on waiver wires this week if Mixon cannot play.
Hopefully, Mixon can make it to the field this week and will not miss any time. He has been a warrior throughout his storied NFL career and only missed three games in three seasons between 2021 and 2023. He has given Houston a reliable runner to balance out the offense so defenses cannot key on C.J. Stroud and the passing attack.
Mixon is a top-10 fantasy running back, if healthy, thanks to the high-powered offense he is a part of. Keep monitoring his injury status as the week goes on to see what his short-term and long-term availability for your fantasy squad will be.
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