The Houston Texans are likely to rely on Cam Akers at running back for a second consecutive week, as fellow running backs Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce missed their second straight practice on Thursday.
Pierce, the Texans’ leading rusher as a rookie in 2022, is dealing with a hamstring injury. Mixon, who joined the Texans this offseason after seven years with the Cincinnati Bengals, is considered week-to-week due to a sprained ankle sustained in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears.
Despite missing last week’s 34-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Mixon, 28, remains the team’s leading rusher with 184 yards on 39 carries.
In Mixon’s absence, Akers, 25, managed just 21 yards on nine carries (2.3 yards per carry), leading the Texans, who totaled only 38 rushing yards as a team.
Pierce, 24, has been limited this season, playing in just one game (Week 1 vs. the Indianapolis Colts), where he ran three times for 16 yards. The team is hopeful for his return, but he missed his second consecutive practice on Thursday.
Pierce rushed for 939 yards in 2022 but was limited to 416 yards last season.
Additionally, wide receiver Tank Dell (hand/ribs) and safety Jimmie Ward (groin) also missed practice Thursday, as the Texans prepare to host the 0-3 Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) and defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (shoulder) were limited participants.
For the Jaguars, linebacker Devin Lloyd (knee) was a new addition to the injury report. Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun is sidelined with a foot issue (plantar fasciitis) and is expected to miss several weeks. Tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) has been out since pregame warmups on Sept. 15.
Other limited participants for Jacksonville on Thursday included running back Tank Bigsby (shoulder), offensive lineman Cam Robinson (knee), wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder), and defensive backs Darnell Savage (quadricep), Jarrian Jones (shoulder), and Montaric Brown (chest).
