Houston Texans DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) was seen at Friday's practice, according to DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN. Mixon did not practice during the first two sessions earlier this week, so this could open the door for the 28-year-old to return to action this weekend. Mixon sat out last Sunday's game due to an ankle injury. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report, as it should provide clarity on Mixon's status heading into the weekend. If he were to miss his second straight game, fantasy managers should expect Cam Akers to lead the backfield once again against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as No.2 running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) has not yet practiced this week.

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) was limited at practice on Thursday due to a hamstring injury, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the NFL. Collins was not on Wednesday's initial injury report, so fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during Friday's practice as it should provide clarity as we approach the weekend. The 25-year-old has continued his impressive 2023 breakout campaign by averaging 112.7 yards per game through the early part of the season with 18 total catches and one score. If Collins is able to suit up on Sunday, he should be viewed as a solid WR1 with a favorable matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (chest), who was listed as day-to-day on Wednesday, is missing his second straight practice of the week on Thursday. Despite his day-to-day label, a report also surfaced on Wednesday that Dell was unlikely to play after getting banged up in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The 24-year-old second-year pass-catcher is dealing with some sore ribs and also injured his hand/wrist last Sunday. It doesn't sound like his injuries are a long-term concern, but fantasy managers that were planning on starting him in Week 4 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars may need to reconsider. Dell may need to practice on Friday to avoid being ruled out entirely. If Dell is limited or out in Week 4, it will mean more targets for both Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins, and possibly tight end Dalton Schultz, who has been a disappointment so far through three weeks.

Houston Texans running backs Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (hamstring) are both sitting out of practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Mixon tweaked his ankle in the Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears and did not play in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The 28-year-old is still considered week-to-week and is trending toward missing a second straight game this Sunday versus the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Pierce is apparently getting closer to playing after missing the last two games, and it was even reported that he was expected to return in Week 4, but his practice participation with two DNPs this week says otherwise. As of right now, it's looking unlikely that both Mixon and Pierce suit up, which would put Cam Akers in line for starting RB duties for the Texans for the second straight week.UPDATE: Pierce is making steady progress from a strained hamstring but hasn't been cleared to practice yet this week.

The schedule has opened up for Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, who will face the floundering Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4. Last year's Offensive Rookie of the Year ranks a middling 15th among fantasy quarterbacks after back-to-back muted offensive days against Chicago and Minnesota, but the Jags offer a possible reprieve. Jacksonville ranks 30th among NFL defenses in yards allowed, 25th in completions allowed, 22nd in pressures, and 32nd in yards after the catch. Even with the Houston running game possibly limited by injuries, Stroud is a QB1 option who can be started with confidence against a struggling defense at home.