The Jacksonville Jaguars will be looking to challenge the Houston Texans for the AFC South title in 2025. Based on the latest injury update, their case to dethrone their division foe just experienced a boost.
The Texans announced that they'll move Mixon from the Active/non-Football Injury list to the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list. This means that he'll miss the first four games of the season.
Mixon's health first got the spotlight when he was seen wearing a walking boot. At the time, Aaron Wilson of KPCR2 reported it was the result of an ankle injury he suffered in the offseason program.
This, in turn, means that Mixon won't suit up for Houston for the Week 3 matchup against the Jags.
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Why not facing Joe Mixon can gives the Jaguars an edge vs. the Texans
The Houston Texans are the team to beat in the AFC South. The good news, at least from a Jacksonville Jaguars perspective, is that they're vulnerable.
While C.J. Stroud is expected to bounce back from a sophomore slump, the Houston offensive line could turn out to be a weakness. And without good protection, the former Ohio State Buckeye may have trouble hitting his stide even with offensive coordinator Nick Caley now calling the shots. The fact that Joe Mixon won't be available won't help matters.
Mixon, a second-round pick in 2017, played seven seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals and was traded to Houston last year. He had success right off the bat, toting the rock 245 times for 1,016 yards with 11 touchdowns.
With Mixon expected to miss time, the Texans signed former Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb as insurance. Chubb himself dealt with injuries but appears to be back at full strength. Having said that, he may not be nearly as dominant as he was during his stint with the Cleveland Browns.
Also in the mix are Dameon Pierce and former Jaguar Dare Obungowale. Both are serviceable, but neither would be a threat if the Jaguars had to face them.
Now, Joe Mixon's injury won't be as much of an issue if Nick Chubb manages to return to form. But if he doesn't, the Jaguars will have an edge when they face the Texans in Week 3. Then again, Houston is still the division champ, so coming out a top won't necessarily be a walk in the park.
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