The Impact of Mixon’s Injury on the Houston Texans

Joe Mixon, the starting running back for the Houston Texans, may be sidelined for their upcoming game against the Vikings in Minnesota. Mixon sustained an ankle injury during last Sunday’s game against the Bears, as a result of what he described as a hip-drop tackle – a move that was recently banned by the NFL.

Due to his injury, Mixon did not participate in practice throughout the week and is now officially listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game. This poses a significant challenge for the Texans, as their depth at the running back position is limited. With running back Dameon Pierce also sidelined with a hamstring injury, Cam Akers is expected to take over the starting role, supported by options like British Brooks and Dare Ogunbowale.

Understanding the Hip-Drop Tackle

So, what exactly is a hip-drop tackle? According to the league, it occurs when a defender wraps up a ball carrier and rotates his hips, unweighting himself and deliberately dropping onto the ball carrier’s legs during the tackle. This dangerous technique has been deemed unsafe and was prohibited prior to the start of the season.

While Mixon’s injury was a result of such a tackle by Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards, no disciplinary action has been taken yet. The league is currently reviewing the incident, despite no penalty being called during the game.

Don’t Miss the Action

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