Running back Joe Mixon is listed as doubtful on the Houston Texans’ injury report for Week 3 after missing three straight days of practice with an ankle injury.
Mixon suffered the injury in Week 2’s 19-13 win over the Chicago Bears in controversial fashion, hurt on what was perceived as a hip-drop tackle by linebacker TJ Edwards. The play was banned during the offseason by the NFL, which defines that type of tackle as follows:
“A hip drop tackle occurs when a defender wraps around a ball carrier and rotates or pivots his hips, taking weight off of himself and landing on the ball carrier’s legs during the tackle.”
Does Edwards’ tackle fit that definition? Watch the play for yourself.
Mixon left the game after the tackle, but officials did not call a penalty at the time and the NFL did not warn or fine Edwards over the past week. That led Mixon to criticize the league on social media and say, “It’s time to practice what you preach.”
The NFL and NFLPA made it a rule and an emphasis for a reason. It’s time to practice what you preach.
— Primetime! (@Joe_MainMixon) September 16, 2024
The NFL has issued fines players for hip-dropping 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 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
Mixon had nine carries for 25 yards and three receptions for 25 yards in the Week 2 win. In the Texans’ season opener, however, the eight-year veteran rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries, adding 19 yards on three receptions.
Houston won’t have enough running backs for Week 3 if Mixon can’t play. Backup Dameon Pierce is off the Texans’ injury report with a hamstring issue. That leaves Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale as the team’s remaining backs on the roster.