The Houston Texans are headed to the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, but are losing more and more players along the way.
Every win comes at a price and the wild-card win over the Chargers might’ve cost them Joe Mixon.
The do-it-all running back for Houston was a late addition to the injury report this week, clouding his status for the weekend matchup in Kansas City. The Texans already have dealt with plenty of issues at the receiver spot this season, only adding more to Mixon’s plate.
While there is cause for concern, it would be fairly surprising if the running back was sidelined considering the importance of the game.
Here’s the latest on Mixon ahead of the Texans’ trip to Kansas City.
NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.
Joe Mixon injury update
Mixon is officially listed as questionable with an ankle injury for Saturday’s division-round game against the Chiefs.
The Texans’ running back was a late addition to the injury report on Wednesday after being limited. His downgrade to a non-participant on Thursday makes this one to watch going into the weekend.
Houston hasn’t said whether it’s a new injury or simply precaution with their workhorse running back, adding to the mystery for Saturday. Mixon previously missed three games earlier in the season with an ankle injury.
It’s not uncommon for teams to give players some much-needed rest this time of year, but it’s unclear if that is the case for Mixon.
While being added to the report midweek is typically cause for concern, it’s hard to envision Mixon not playing in a playoff game. The real concern, however, would be the possibility of aggravating the issue during the game.
Already thin at receiver, Houston would be looking at a steep hill to climb against the two-time defending champion Chiefs if Mixon can’t play.
Texans RB depth chart
Here’s a look at the Texans’ running back options should Mixon be sidelined on Saturday:
Dameon Pierce
Dare Ogunbowale
Joe Mixon stats
Mixon has been a workhorse for the Texans this season, his first in Houston. The running back has carried the ball 245 times for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground while adding 36 receptions, 309 yards and a touchdown through the air.
Who are the Texans playing in playoffs?
The Texans will travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs in the divisional round of the playoffs on Saturday afternoon.
All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY’s 4th and Monday newsletter.