Entering Friday's practice, the Houston Texans still have optimism that Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon will play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Mixon hasn't practiced either day during the open media session,

The Houston Texans will be without running back Joe Mixon Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings because of an ankle injury. The team made the announcement Saturday, saying he would not travel with the team to Minnesota.

Joe Mixon’s injury isn’t regarded as long term, but it’s increasingly likely he may be sidelined for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Backup running back Cam Akers took the first-team snaps Wednesday with running back Dameon Pierce sidelined with a mild strained hamstring that kept him out of the Chicago game.