Analysis

The running back broke free for a 13-yard TD scamper in the third quarter that should have tied the game at 13-13, but Ka'imi Fairbairn missed the extra point. Mixon reached the century mark in scrimmage yards and got into the end zone in both of Houston's playoff games this season, an emphatic end to his first campaign with the Texans that saw him churn out 1,325 combined yards and 12 total TDs over 14 regular-season contests. Mixon has two years and $15 million left on the contract he signed in March 2024, and there's little reason to think the team will be looking to get out from under the deal this offseason.

Analysis

The Texans tacked on Mixon to their injury report Wednesday as limited due to an ankle injury, which kept him off the practice field entirely Thursday. Despite receiving a questionable tag for the second round of the playoffs, he'll be available to Houston's backfield Saturday, but he also may yield some snaps and touches to backups Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale. In 15 appearances, including last Saturday's win against the Chargers, this season, Mixon has averaged 20.5 touches for 96.3 yards from scrimmage per game while scoring 13 total TDs.

Analysis

Per Rapoport, the ankle injury that caused Mixon to practice in a limited fashion Wednesday and miss Thursday's session isn't particularly serious, and he can be considered on track to play Saturday barring any unforeseen setbacks. Official word on the status of the Texans' top backfield option will be revealed no later than 90 minutes prior to Saturday's 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff. Houston has backups Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale on hand in the event that Mixon is limited or unavailable due to his ankle issue.

Analysis

After being added to the Texans' injury report Wednesday following a limited practice, Mixon was deemed a non-participant Thursday. The starting running back's status thus is worth monitoring closely as Saturday's 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff approaches. If Mixon is limited or out versus Kansas City, Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale would be in line to see added backfield work for Houston.

Analysis

Mixon wasn't listed on Houston's injury report Tuesday, so his addition to it a day later makes his status worth monitoring ahead of Saturday's divisional-round game against the Chiefs. Thursday's injury report will reveal whether the running back carries an injury designation into the weekend or is fully cleared to face Kansas City.

Analysis

Mixon had only six carries for 15 yards at halftime, but he got things going after losing a fumble early in the third quarter. He went on to record long gains of 15, 12 and 17 yards -- the last of which went for a touchdown to seal the victory late in the final quarter. The performance marked Mixon's second time topping 100 yards on the ground in the postseason across eight games.

Analysis

Mixon played one offensive possession with the rest of the Texans' starting unit and then gave way to Dameon Pierce as the team was locked into the fourth seed in the AFC. His five carries were enough for him to top 1,000 yards on the ground for the second consecutive campaign. While he's been held to fewer than 60 rushing yards in six of his last eight games, Mixon will play a key role in the Houston offense in a playoff matchup against either the Steelers or Chargers.

Analysis

Mixon's late-season struggles continued with another mediocre rushing line that featured no trips to the end zone. The first-year Texan is averaging a meager 35.3 rushing yards in three games since Houston's Week 14 bye. The 27-year-old currently sits just seven yards shy of recording the fifth 1,000-yard rushing season of his career, and Mixon should easily accomplish that feat in a favorable matchup against Tennessee in Week 18.

Analysis

Kansas City came into Saturday's game having allowed the fewest rushing yards in the NFL to running backs, so Mixon's modest stat line isn't particularly surprising. This game continued an alarming trend, as Mixon has posted 71 total yards or fewer without a touchdown in three of his last four games. Prior to this downturn, he had at least 90 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in seven of eight appearances. Getting back on track won't be easy for the workhorse running back on Christmas against Baltimore's stout run defense.