Houston Texans star running back Joe Mixon has been ruled out with an ankle injury for Sunday’s matchup at the Minnesota Vikings.

The team announced Saturday that Mixon did not travel to Minnesota with the team, nor did center Jarrett Patterson, who’s dealing with a calf injury.

In Mixon’s absence, veteran Cam Akers is expected to be the primary rusher with Dare Ogunbowale likely subbing in for passing downs.

Mixon’s backup in Week 1, Dameon Pierce, 24, didn’t practice this week after missing Week 2 and has been ruled out of Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. He had three rushes for 16 yards behind Mixon in the season opener.

Mixon, who didn’t practice all week, said earlier in the week that his injury happened on a now-banned hip-drop tackle in Sunday night’s win over the Chicago Bears. He finished with 25 yards rushing on nine carries and caught three passes for 25 yards.

The 28-year-old Mixon has 184 yards rushing through two games with a touchdown. The 2021 Pro Bowler also has six catches for 44 yards.

–Field Level Media