The Houston Texans navigated the last three games without one of their pivotal offensive weapons, running back Joe Mixon, who continues to recover from a lingering ankle injury. While the absence has undoubtedly impacted the team’s dynamics, all eyes are now on Mixon’s potential return as the Houston Texans prepare to face the New England Patriots this Sunday. However, the situation remains uncertain, and head coach DeMeco Ryans provided some insight into Mixon’s recovery during his press conference earlier this week.
Ryan’s Optimism Tempered by Uncertainty
Addressing the media on Monday at NRG Stadium, Ryans cautiously spoke about Mixon’s progress. He noted that while the running back has made significant strides in rehab, there’s no definitive word on his return for Week 6.
“We don’t know as of right now,” Ryans said. “I can’t give you that answer, but we will see how Joe improves over the week. He’s been improving week to week, doing a great job attacking his rehab. We’ll see where he is as the week goes on.”
This tempered optimism leaves the door open for Mixon’s return but also suggests that the team is in no rush to risk further injury to their star back. Ryans’s use of “week to week” hints at the possibility of more time being needed before Mixon is cleared to step back onto the field.
Timing and Strategy Influence Decisions
Houston’s Week 6 matchup against the struggling New England Patriots presents an interesting strategic decision. The Patriots have had a dismal start to the 2024 season, sitting at 1-4 with a minus-40 point differential. It could influence the Texans’ decision-making process, as they may give Mixon another week of rest to ensure he’s fully recovered.
Looking ahead, the Texans have a more formidable challenge in Week 7, when they face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in a game that could have significant playoff implications. With a long season ahead and the team holding a 4-1 record, currently trailing only the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC standings, the Texans might lean toward a cautious approach, ensuring their roster is as strong as possible for the critical mid-season matchups.
Running-Back-by-Committee Likely to Continue
In Mixon’s absence, the Texans have relied on a running-back-by-committee approach, which has yielded mixed results but kept the offense afloat. Should Mixon sit out another week, this strategy is likely to continue. Although experts favor the Texans to win against New England, the NFL offers no guarantees, and Ryans needs his team firing on all cylinders to maintain their strong start to the season.
The Texans and Patriots will kick off at Noon CT at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Fans will eagerly await news on Mixon’s status as the week progresses, but for now, the team’s focus remains on executing its game plan, regardless of who takes the field.