The Houston Texans are making good on their preseason expectations so far during the 2024 NFL season as they’ve won their first two games.
Houston picked up a tough win in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts and followed it up with another hard-fought victory in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears,
Now, the Texans will head out on the road for a matchup against the Minnesota Vikings who are also boasting a 2-0 record.
This is going to be the toughest test for Houston so far as Minnesota has an excellent defense coupled with an efficient offense headlined by Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson.
Making things more difficult for the Texans is their own offense won’t be at full health as they’ll be without Joe Mixon who is dealing with an ankle injury via Adam Schefter of ESPN.
“Texans RB Joe Mixon is not traveling to Minnesota, and he now has been downgraded to out from doubtful,” Schefter reported.
Texans RB Joe Mixon is not traveling to Minnesota, and he now has been downgraded to out from doubtful.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 21, 2024
Mixon suffered the injury in Week 2 against the Bears, and although it isn’t considered serious, he is being held out against Minnesota.
There was some controversy surrounding the play as it looked like Mixon was brought down with a hip-drop tackle, a play that was outlawed by the league in the offseason.
Regardless, without Mixon, the Texans will need to lean on Cam Akers in the run game though it could also mean more passing attempts for C.J. Stroud.
Houston still has enough talent and depth to pull off a win, though Minnesota is going to give them everything they can handle.