The Houston Texans may again be without their lead back for Week 5, as starter Joe Mixon did not practice on Thursday. The running back was absent for the second consecutive practice after a surprise participation last Friday.

The Texans’ rushing attack has struggled without Mixon as the feature runner over the past two games. Cam Akers found his way into the end zone against the Minnesota Vikings, but it came through the air on a 6-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud.

Joe Mixon has missed the Texans past two games with an ankle injury, but he could make his return in Week 5.