Is Joe Mixon playing today? Exploring Texans RB's status vs Bills for Fantasy Football Week 5

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon injured his ankle during a game against the Chicago Bears in Week 2. He missed the last two games against the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars due to the injury.

Mixon made a limited practice appearance last Friday prior to Sunday's Week 4 game. However, he was listed as doubtful on the team's final injury report that same day. The Texans eventually declared him out 90 minutes before kickoff on Sunday when they released their inactives.

All indications are pointing to Mixon getting back to 100% and playing in Week 5. Although he was ruled out of last week's game against the Jaguars, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported before the game that the running back was feeling better and that all parties involved had decided to play it cautiously and give him an extra week off.

This is a big hint that Mixon, having had another week of rest, will be able to get back to full practice this week and suit up for Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans has still not said that Mixon will play against the Bills, as he still referred to him as “day-to-day” in his press conference on Monday, but the veteran RB is getting closer from all indications.

In response to a question on Monday regarding Joe Mixon's potential comeback for the crucial Week 5 game against the Bills, Ryans said, "We'll see this week with a week of practice.”

Cam Akers has been offered more opportunities in the last two games in Dameon Pierce (hamstring) and Mixon’s absence. In the game against the Jaguars last Sunday, Akers ran for 53 yards on 13 carries.

The Texans are expected to release their first injury report of the week on Wednesday, and that will provide additional insight into Joe Mixon's likelihood of returning to action in Week 5.

According to new updates, though, Joe Mixon is not expected to play on Sunday. He has missed both team practices this week.

Joe Mixon's injury update: What happened to the Texans' RB?

Joe Mixon sustained an ankle injury against the Chicago Bears in Week 2. That injury kept him out of action for the Houston Texans in Weeks 3 and 4.

The injury happened when Bears' LB T.J. Edwards hit Mixon on the field with a hip-drop tackle, which has been prohibited by the NFL. Mixon was observed limping and had to leave the field right away due to the injury.

Although Mixon returned to the game, he was only involved in seven snaps for the rest of the game. The effects of the injury ultimately led to him missing out for the Texans in Weeks 3 and 4.

Since then, T.J. Edwards has been fined $16,883, as reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, for the uncalled hip-drop tackle on Joe Mixon.