Running back Joe Mixon is listed as questionable on the Houston Texans’ injury list for Week 3 after missing three straight days of practice with an ankle injury.
Mixon suffered the injury in controversial fashion during Week 2’s 19-13 win over the Chicago Bears, getting hurt on what was ruled a hip drop tackle by linebacker TJ Edwards. The play was banned during the midseason by the NFL, which defines such a tackle as follows:
“A hip-drop tackle occurs when a defender surrounds a ball carrier and twists or pivots his hips, relieving himself and dropping onto the ball carrier’s legs during the tackle.”
Did Edwards’ tackle meet that definition? Watch the play for yourself.
Mixon left the game after the tackle. However, officials did not call a penalty at the time, and the NFL did not warn or fine Edwards in the past week. That led to Mixon criticizing the league on social media, saying, “Time to put your money where your mouth is.”
The NFL and NFLPA have made it a rule and emphasis for a reason. Time to put your money where your mouth is.
— ⚡️Primetime!!!⚡️ (@Joe_MainMixon) September 16, 2024
The NFL has been fining players for hip drop tackles during the first two weeks of the season. New York Giants cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and linebacker Darius Muasau were fined for such tackles, though they were not penalized in the Week 1 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Mixon had nine carries for 25 yards and three receptions for another 25 in the Week 2 win. However, in the Texans’ season opener, the eight-year veteran rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries, adding 19 yards on three catches.
Houston will be thin at running back for Week 3 if Mixon is unable to play. Reserve Dameon Pierce is listed as out on the Texans’ injury report with a hamstring issue. That leaves Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale as the team’s remaining running backs on the roster.
