Texans running back Joe Mixon returns to practice and is questionable; Tank Dell, Jimmie Ward, Dameon Pierce ruled out

HOUSTON – Texans Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon returned to practice Friday morning after being sidelined for the past two weeks with a sprained ankle suffered against the Chicago Bears.

Mixon’s return, should he continue on this trend and play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, should provide a boost to a running game that struggled against the Minnesota Vikings with just 38 rushing yards on 19 carries.

He was limited in practice and is questionable on the injury report. Mixon looked good at practice and had a solid day of work and it’s regarded as an encouraging sign, per league sources.

The Texans officially ruled out starting safety Jimmie Ward (groin), starting wide receiver Tank Dell (bruised ribs) and backup running back Dameon Pierce (strained hamstring).

Wide receiver Nico Collins returned to practice after being limited Thursday with a hamstring injury. Collins is trending toward playing Sunday, barring any setbacks, per sources. He participated fully in practice Friday and has no injury designation, meaning he’s expected to play.

Collins leads the NFL with 338 receiving yards on 18 receptions and 28 targets, averaging 18.8 yards per catch with one touchdown after signing a three-year, $75 million maximum value deal this offseason.

With Ward out, the Texans will lean on rookie Calen Bullock and veteran Eric Murray as well as nickel-safety Jalen Pitre.

Cam Akers rushed for just 21 yards on nine carries for a 2.3 average per run as he started against the Vikings.

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Mixon injured his ankle on a hit from Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards that drew a $16,883 fine from the league for an illegal hip drop tackle.

Mixon’s injury was never regarded as a long-term issue, but he was sidelined against the Vikings due to a lack of ability to cut at optimal levels due to the ankle injury, according to league sources.

Dell’s injuries aren’t regarded as long-term issues, but he is dealing with a lot of soreness, per sources.

Dell wasn’t available for comment after the game due to his injured status. He didn’t have a wrap or brace on his hand in the locker room after the game.

Dell caught a season-high five passes for 62 yards on six targets in the Texans’ 34-7 loss, their first of the season.

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Dell entered Sunday with four receptions for 37 yards through two games. He caught one pass for minus-three yards on four targets in a win last week over the Bears,

Dell caught 47 passes for 709 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games as a rookie last season before he broke his fibula.

With Dell likely sidelined, the Texans have a lot of depth at a position that includes Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, Robert Woods and John Metchie III.

“It is hard to say, we haven’t had to deal with that this year, but we have other guys that are well-equipped,’ Stroud said. “But we love one of the best receivers in the league to be out there. Sadly, in this league, it is always next man up. We have to find a way to win a football game. We are praying for Tank, hope he is okay, and we know that hopefully he is treading up. But whatever happens. We have to be able to try to win.”

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Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 click2houston.com.