Missed most of the preseason with a quad injury
Texans Pro Bowl RB Joe Mixon missed the majority of the preseason with a quadriceps injury and was held out of all of the games. Mixon is fully healthy now and displayed explosiveness during a joint practice session with the Los Angeles Rams. Signed to a three-year, $27 million extension after an offseason trade from the Cincinnati Bengals, Mixon is expected to have a heavy workload as a runner and receiver out of the backfield.
“Joe will be Joe,” HC DeMeco Ryans said. “Joe will be doing what he’s done his entire career. I don’t think you’ll see anything different. He’s a strong, physical back. He’s going to get yards. So, I’m excited about seeing Joe run the ball behind our offensive line.” (KPRC – Aaron Wilson)
Nerdy Football Analysis: It remains to be seen how productive Mixon will be in Houston after an inefficient back for most of his time in Cincinnati. With that said, Mixon should see the lion’s share of backfield touches with Cam Akers (multiple Achilles injuries) and Dameon Pierce (bad fit for OC Bobby Slowik’s offense) unlikely to convince the Texans to spread the workload. Consider Mixon a volume-based RB2 with occasional RB1 upside in what should be a high-scoring offense this season.
