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Report: Texans' Joe Mixon Will Reportedly Play vs. Chiefs Despite Ankle Injury

Adam WellsJanuary 18, 2025

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 11: Joe Mixon #28 of the Houston Texans carries the ball on a running play during the second half of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers at NRG Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
Brandon Sloter/Getty Images

The Houston Texans will likely have Joe Mixon available for their AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Mixon is expected to play on Saturday despite being limited in practice this week with an ankle injury.

Mixon was added to Houston's injury report on Wednesday when he was a limited participant in practice.

Ankle problems were an issue for Mixon early in the season. He was on the injury report for four consecutive weeks from Weeks 3-6, including sitting out games against the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills.

There was no indication during Houston's 32-12 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card round that Mixon was hobbled. He played 71 percent of the offensive snaps, his most in a game since Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Mixon ran for 106 yards and scored a touchdown on 25 carries against the Chargers. It was his highest single-game rushing total since Week 11.

If Mixon can't handle a full workload on Saturday, Dameon Pierce would likely see an increased share of carries against the Chiefs. He did have 176 yards on 19 carries in a Week 18 win over the Tennessee Titans when Mixon was held out.

Dare Ogunbowale would also be in line for snaps in case Mixon is limited.

The Texans are in the AFC Divisional Round for the second straight year and sixth time in franchise history. They are 0-5 and have been outscored by 82 points in their previous five appearances in this round.

Houston will look to become the first team to beat the Chiefs in the playoffs since the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2021 AFC Championship Game.

Kickoff between the Texans and Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium is 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon.