The Houston Texans will be without their starting running back in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams when the teams square off a little less than two weeks from now. Adam Schefter delivered the news first; emphasizing that Mixon will not only miss the opening weekend but will be forced to miss the first four weeks of the season because of the activation rules (Non-Football Injury).
Mixon’s absence is notable but the Houston Texans should be able to weather their starter’s absence since they have a lot of depth at the running back position with backups Nick Chubb and Dameon Pierce headlining the position group.
Joe Mixon first injured his ankle in the offseason and was forced to miss all of the team’s OTAs and training camp. The Houston Texans will have to endure their fair share of injuries and player absences in the early part of the season. Mixon joins Tank Dell (WR), Trent Brown (OT), Denico Autry (DL), CJ Gardner-Johnson (S), and Jimmie Ward (CB/S) on the team’s inactive list.
As for the Rams, they have received mostly positive news on the injury front with quarterback Matthew Stafford and left tackle Alaric Jackson. Sean McVay told the media today that Matthew Stafford remains a full participant in the team’s practices; having no restrictions thus far. The team and the training staff continues to approach his situation on a day-to-day basis. McVay noted that the training staff is taking into account how Stafford feels each morning after a practice. Aside from Stafford, the other big news is that Alaric Jackson is scheduled to be a full participant next week for the first time since his blood clot diagnosis in his leg. Up to this point, Alaric Jackson has only been able to participate in jog-throughs and individual drills.
The only negative injury news that Los Angeles received this week is that rookie edge rusher Josiah Stewart is in concussion protocol following a minor incident. It appears that he is progressing well but it will be worth monitoring considering team’s will have to make roster decisions before Tuesday. It may be a positive for second year player Brennan Jackson who has been battling in the preseason to make the roster as the team’s fourth edge rusher.
Both teams are expected to contend for the playoffs in their respective conferences. Houston and Los Angeles have both reached the playoffs in the past two seasons. Their Week 1 matchup is expected to be one of the best matchups over the opening weekend.
