Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon is expected to play in the team’s Week 6 matchup against the New England Patriots, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz. Mixon, who was listed as questionable on the injury report, missed practice on Wednesday and was limited on Thursday and Friday as he continues to recover from an ankle injury sustained in Week 2.

The Texans have had a strong start to their 2024 NFL season, sitting at 4-1. Mixon was a key contributor early on, rushing for 184 yards and one touchdown on 39 carries in his first game and a half with the team. However, during their 19-13 win over the Chicago Bears in Week 2, Mixon suffered an ankle injury following a controversial hip-drop tackle by Bears linebacker TJ Edwards in the second quarter.

Joe Mixon is expected to play in Texans Week 6 matchup against Patriots

In his first public comments since the injury, Mixon didn’t hide his frustration.

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“You got to think, I was No. 1 in the league in rushing. I want to be out there. Obviously, I was stopped because of that weak a** hip-drop tackle,” Mixon said Thursday, per Jonathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. He also expressed disappointment that officials didn’t flag the tackle, though TJ Edwards was later fined $16,833 by the NFL for the illegal hit.

Meanwhile, Mixon’s return comes as the Houston Texans face the challenge of being without wide receivers Nico Collins, who is on injured reserve, and Robert Woods, sidelined with a foot injury.

With two key receivers out, the Texans will likely lean on Joe Mixon to provide a spark for their offense as they face a Patriots team looking to rebound from an abysmal 1-4 start. Mixon’s presence will be vital as Houston aims to build on its early season success and maintain momentum in the competitive AFC South.