Houston Texans DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz hauled in three passes for 34 yards on five targets in his team's 24-20 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Frustratingly, Schultz was close to scoring the game-winning touchdown, but was brought down at the two-yard line before the Texans eventually scored. The former Dallas Cowboy has been the odd man out next to a talented receiving corps, sitting in fourth place on the team in targets. The tight end will look for better when Houston plays host to Buffalo in Week 5.

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) has been ruled out for the Week 4 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It sounds like Mixon is feeling better, but the team decided to take the cautious approach here. Mixon tested out his hamstring and feels good, so hopefully he'll be able to return next week. In the meantime, Cam Akers figures to be tasked with making another start in the backfield. Akers rushed for 21 yards last week on nine attempts, but salvaged his fantasy value with a touchdown through the air. He'll be worth a look as a low-end flex option for Week 4.

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) "has worked hard to be back and even though it seems to be an uphill climb to play, he hasn't given up trying," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Mixon will test his injury pregame to see whether he can suit up on Sunday afternoon. The veteran hasn't played since Week 2 when he was on the receiving end of a hip-drop tackle. He was able to finish the game but then was sidelined for Week 3. Through two games, he has 228 scrimmage yards and one touchdown. Houston would benefit from having him available on Sunday against the Jaguars, but they also won't rush him back before he's ready. If Mixon can't play this week, Cam Akers would lead the Texans' backfield for the second consecutive game, ranking as a fantasy RB3.

Houston Texans running back J.J. Taylor has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 4 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This is noteworthy because it probably means lead back Joe Mixon (ankle) is probably trending in the wrong direction ahead of Sunday's game. Taylor was elevated last week as well with Mixon on the sideline. He rushed the ball once for three yards on hauled in both his targets for two yards through the air. He should serve as the emergency back behind Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale, assuming Mixon is out. Fantasy managers who have Mixon rostered should go ahead and prepare a backup plan for Week 4.

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) missed practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 4 contest on Sunday against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. The Texans were saying earlier this week that Pierce was making progress from his hamstring injury and was close to returning, but that won't happen this week. The 24-year-old will miss his third straight game after being injured in the Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Joe Mixon (ankle) is questionable and is danger of missing a second straight game as well, so Houston could be forced to use Cam Akers as their lead back once again. If Mixon is inactive on Sunday, Akers can be plugged in as an RB3/flex for fantasy managers looking for help at the position. Pierce's next chance to return will be in a Week 5 meeting against the Buffalo Bills.