NFL
Will Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce play for the Texans against the Jaguars? Running back injury status
With the game set in Houston, the Texans will be looking to capitalize on their home-field advantage and take the upper hand in the AFC South.
As the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars prepare for their Week 4 matchup, both teams are dealing with major injury concerns that could impact the game and the outcome of the AFC South matchup.
For the Jaguars, linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, a key defensive leader, will be sidelined for several weeks due to plantar fasciitis. Oluokun’s absence is a major blow to Jacksonville’s defense, as he is one of their most productive players. Adding to the Jaguars’ defensive woes, defensive back Tyson Campbell was also ruled out for Week 4. With two main pieces of the defense unavailable, the Jaguars will face a challenging task in trying to contain Houston’s offense.
Texans are closely following Mixon and Pierce’s injury situation
Texans wide receiver Tank Dell is currently day-to-day with hand, wrist, and rib injuries, as head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed. Dell missed practice today, and his status remains uncertain heading into the game. It may be a game-time decision for the young receiver, who was expected to have a breakout performance. Fantasy football owners, please note that Dell’s availability could be determined right before the game.
Texans running back Joe Mixon, who has been dealing with an ankle injury since Week 2, did not practice today. The Texans appear to be playing it safe with Mixon, prioritizing his long-term health as they aim to have him ready for the latter part of the season. Although Mixon looked strong in Week 1, it seems unlikely that Houston will rush him back for this divisional game.
However, there is some positive news for the Texans. Running back Dameon Pierce, who missed practice today, is reportedly on track to return for Week 4. While he hasn’t yet been cleared, sources suggest he is expected to be good to go against Jacksonville.
Now, the key thing the Texans need to do to get back on track offensively is to improve protection for C.J. Stroud. Stroud has taken too many hits over the first few weeks, and if Houston’s offensive line can give him more time in the pocket, the talented rookie has the potential to exploit a weakened Jaguars defense. With Jacksonville missing key defensive players like Oluokun and Campbell, this could allow Stroud and the Texans’ offense to capitalize and turn things around.