KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Joe Mixon was in the lineup for the Texans’ divisional playoff matchup against the Chiefs on Saturday, despite being listed on the injury report with an ankle issue that caused him to miss practice towards the end of the week.
Active for the game alongside Mixon were linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee), right guard Shaq Mason (knee), offensive lineman Juice Scruggs (ankle), and wide receiver Robert Woods (hip), who had also missed the entire week of practice and was deemed questionable prior to the game.
Mixon, who is 28 years old, sustained an ankle injury in Week 2 while playing against the Bears, resulting in him missing three subsequent games. However, he has since been available for all games. He did experience another ankle issue during Week 15 in a game against Miami, which limited his performance toward the end of that match.
In the previous week, Mixon made a significant contribution in a 32-12 wild-card victory over the Chargers, rushing for 106 yards and scoring a touchdown. This achievement marked the first time since 2012 that a Texans running back surpassed 100 rushing yards in a playoff game.
“Joe brings a lot of confidence to the team. His work ethic is on display every week,” stated Texans coach DeMeco Ryans. “What he communicates to the team throughout the week boosts morale.”
Mixon also adds flexibility to the Houston offense, which has suffered the loss of wide receivers Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs to season-ending injuries. Over the current season, he registered 36 receptions for 309 yards and one touchdown. His experience has proven invaluable in assisting quarterback C.J. Stroud, particularly in protecting the passer. This contribution is a significant factor in Houston achieving playoff wins in consecutive seasons.
“He’s been instrumental in ensuring we’re aligned correctly,” Stroud remarked. “Having him around lightens my load significantly. Even when our running game has issues, I can count on him, and it allows us to play off one another effectively.”
For this game against Kansas City, Houston declared running back J.J. Taylor, linebacker Devin White, defensive end Jerry Hughes, defensive tackle Kurt Hinish, and offensive linemen Kendrick Green and Nick Broeker inactive.
On the Chiefs’ side, cornerback Jaylen Watson was available for his first game since suffering an ankle fracture on October 20 against San Francisco. He was activated from injured reserve after completing a week of practice without complications.
Watson had demonstrated superb performance throughout training camp and was displaying the best form of his career prior to his injury. “His dedication to his recovery has been outstanding,” noted Chiefs coach Andy Reid. “We’ll evaluate how he adjusts to game situations as we progress.”
Kansas City made several players inactive, including safety Deon Bush, cornerback Keith Taylor, and defensive ends Joshua Uche and Malik Herring, along with offensive linemen C.J. Hanson, Wanya Morris, and Ethan Driskell.
Morris, who had started 11 games as left tackle this season, struggled in protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Consequently, the Chiefs opted to shift All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to tackle, bringing in Mike Caliendo to take his place at guard, a strategy they continued against the Texans, with D.J. Humphries stepping in as the backup tackle.
