Texans’ Joe Mixon returns to action Sunday, active after three-game ankle injury

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Texans veteran working again Joe Mixon returns to motion Sunday in opposition to the New England Patriots after lacking three video games with a sprained ankle suffered on an unlawful sort out in opposition to the Chicago Bears.

Mixon is energetic and anticipated to have a stable workload, per league sources.

He was formally listed as questionable on the harm report, however practiced each Thursday and Friday and was anticipated to play the previous 4 days.

The Texans’ inactives are offensive lineman Nick Broeker, outdoors linebacker Rashad Weaver, large receiver Robert Woods (foot), security Jimmie Ward (groin) and cornerback Kamari Lassiter (scapula).

Mixon returned to observe Thursday on a restricted foundation from a sprained ankle suffered in opposition to the Chicago Bears on an unlawful hip drop sort out.

Mixon had entered the vary for a full restoration from a much less extreme high-ankle sprain.

“I felt good,” Mixon stated Thursday afternoon. “Clearly, been just about going forwards and backwards attempting to determine after I would possibly get again and begin with the ability to take part in sure issues. I believe we’ll in all probability go to observe Friday, see what’s occurring. And, clearly, that does come on a choice on whether or not to go or simply wait one other week. I’m simply going to maintain on working, and when it’s time to be on the market, I’m going to do what I’ve bought to do to indicate I’m the very best on the sphere. It’s so simple as that.”

Texans’ Joe Mixon practices once more, anticipated to play Sunday, Kamari Lassiter, Jimmie Ward out this week (click2houston.com)

Mixon has missed the previous three video games after speeding for a season-high 159 yards and one landing on a career-high 30 carries within the season-opener in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts.

Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale have been shouldering the workload within the backfield throughout his absence. The Texans rank sixth in complete offense, third in passing offense. They’re averaging 104.2 speeding yards and 4.0 yards per carry, led by Mixon’s 184 yards adopted by Akers’ 148 yards and one landing and Ogunbowale’s 40 yards on 19 carries. Quarterback C.J. Stroud ranks third on the group with 68 speeding yards.

“Yeah, he’s progressing,” Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik stated of Mixon “It’s like all the fellows which are working by stuff. He’s working his tail off on daily basis and attempting to get wholesome as quick as he can.”

The Texans get again Mixon and backup working again Dameon Pierce, who missed the previous 4 video games with a strained hamstring.

Texans rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter, one of many high defensive rookies within the NFL and the group’s high draft choose, is out with a scapula harm and anticipated to overlook a number of video games this month, per league sources.

The Texans are beginning cornerback D’Angelo Ross rather than Lassiter.

The Texans signed Ka’dar Hollman off the Baltimore Ravens’ observe squad. Hollman is one other choice to fill in due to his peak and the way he held up final season in opposition to Atlanta Falcons large receiver Drake London in a begin. Hollman is predicted to play on particular groups.

Veteran security Jimmie Ward is out for this recreation if not longer, per sources, after aggravating his groin harm Sunday in opposition to the Buffalo Payments and being dominated out for the sport. Rookie security Calen Bullock will begin rather than Ward reverse Eric Murray. Ward went to the hospital for additional examination Sunday after enjoying within the recreation and re-injuring his groin after being examined initially for a shoulder stinger within the blue medical tent, then being checked out for a groin harm. Ward was formally dominated out Friday.

Texans veteran defensive finish Derek Barnett (shoulder, questionable) is predicted to play Sunday in opposition to the Patriots, per a league supply.

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 click2houston.com.