Houston Texans star Joe Mixon is doubtful with an ankle injury and fellow running back Dameon Pierce has been ruled out with a hamstring injury for Sunday’s matchup at the Minnesota Vikings.

If Mixon is unable to suit up, veteran Cam Akers is expected to be the primary rusher with Dare Ogunbowale likely subbing in for passing downs.

Mixon, who hasn’t practiced 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.

Pierce, 24, didn’t practice this week after missing Week 2. In Week 1 as Mixon’s backup, he had three rushes for 16 yards.

Starting center Juice Scruggs (groin), backup center Jarrett Patterson (calf) and third-string safety M.J. Stewart (knee) were all listed as questionable on Friday. Scruggs and Stewart were limited on Friday while Patterson did not practice.

–Field Level Media