Houston Texans DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz is a playable option with a decent matchup in Week 6 against the New England Patriots. The 28-year-old has had a disappointing fantasy season so far, but the silver lining is that his target percentage has gone up three weeks in a row and he's still an every-down player, averaging nearly 87% of Houston snaps. Further, Houston's targets leader, receiver Nico Collins, is now on injured reserve. At this stage, fantasy managers have to be realistic with their expectations for the former Dallas Cowboy: he'll play most of the game and earn a handful of targets on a good offense, but he's dependent on touchdowns for game-changing weeks.

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) was upgraded to full practice participation on Thursday after being limited to start the week on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Joe Mixon (ankle) was limited after missing Wednesday's session. It appears that Houston could be getting both Pierce and Mixon back in Week 6 against the New England Patriots. Pierce hasn't played since the season-opening win over the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, but his fantasy outlook this weekend will all depend on whether Mixon returns as well as the lead back. The 24-year-old will only be worth a look as an RB3/flex option against the Patriots if he's active and Mixon is not. With both Pierce and Mixon out since Week 2, Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale have been splitting backfield work the last three weeks.

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) is at practice on Thursday for the first time this week. The former Cincinnati Bengal is dealing with a high-ankle sprain and hasn't played since Week 2, so his return to practice is promising for a potential Week 6 return to game action. Mixon was excellent in the Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts, posting 178 total yards and a touchdown on 33 touches. He was injured in Week 2 and only produced 50 total yards. Fantasy managers should check back on Friday for his practice participation and gameday status, but if he plays, it will be tough to keep him out of the lineup against the New England Patriots, who have surrendered the 11th-most fantasy points per game to running backs. If Mixon doesn't play, Dameon Pierce (hamstring), who is likely to return this week, could handle starting duties. However, there's a chance Houston will opt to implement a three-headed backfield with Pierce, Cam Akers, and Dare Ogunbowale.UPDATE: Mixon was limited on Thursday.

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) is expected to return this weekend, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The 24-year-old has been sidelined since the opening week of the season with a hamstring injury. Cam Akers took over No.2 duties in his absence and eventually became the starter when Joe Mixon (ankle) suffered an injury following Week 2. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring Joe Mixon's status, as Pierce could be the top option out of the backfield if Mixon is kept out of action. Since breaking out in his rookie campaign with an impressive 939 yards, Pierce has been stuck in a reserve role. However, he is worth a speculative add this week as he could be a solid flex option if he gets the starting nod against the New England Patriots.

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) is not practicing to begin the week on Wednesday. On Monday, head coach DeMeco Ryans said the team still does not know exactly when Mixon will be able to return after he sprained his ankle in the Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears. And now that Mixon has picked up another DNP to begin the week, his status for the Week 6 game against the New England Patriots is firmly up in the air. The good news is the 28-year-old has made some progress, but he still needs to get back on the practice field to have any shot at playing this Sunday. Dameon Pierce (hamstring) hasn't played since the season opener, leaving Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale as Houston's primary backfield options each of the last three weeks. Fantasy managers won't have a clearer picture on the Texans' backfield until later this week.