Texans running back Joe Mixon made headlines when he missed a significant portion of training camp due to a quadriceps injury. However, the good news is that he is now fully healthy and raring to go for the season opener against the Colts.
Mixon, who was a major free agent acquisition for the Texans in the offseason, is expected to be a crucial piece of the team’s offensive puzzle. Coach DeMeco Ryans highlighted Mixon’s strengths, saying, “Joe will be Joe… He’s a strong, physical back. He’s going to get yards.”
The 28-year-old running back has a history of heavy usage, averaging 22 touches per game over his seven seasons in the league. Last season, he managed to notch 21 touches per game and has accumulated an impressive average of 88 yards per game in his 97 career appearances.
However, the challenge ahead for Mixon and the Texans lies in the formidable Colts defense, particularly with DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart anchoring the interior line. Coach Ryans acknowledged the strength of the Colts’ front seven, stating, “They are a really great front seven… But it’s not about if we have to run it. Whatever we have to do to move the football up and down the field.”
In the end, the focus for the Texans is on success and finding ways to move the football effectively, whether it’s through the ground game or the passing attack. As Ryans emphasized, the key is to do whatever it takes to secure that elusive victory.
