Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Joe Mixon's Status For Chiefs-Texans Playoff Game Announced

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jan 18, 2025 8:44 AM ET

There was some doubt surrounding Joe Mixon's status leading up to this Saturday's playoff game between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs. The veteran running back has been battling an ankle injury for the past few weeks.

Mixon was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, which is pretty much what most fans expected to see. When it was revealed that he didn't practice at all on Thursday, fans started panicking about his availability for the divisional round. That being said, Mixon is expected to play through his injury this Saturday afternoon in Kansas City.

On Saturday morning, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport announced that Mixon is cleared to play against the Chiefs.

"Pro Bowl RB Joe Mixon, limited this week with an ankle injury, will play today," Rapoport said. "LB Azeez Al-Shaair, limited with a knee, also will play against the Chiefs."

That's great news for the Texans, of course. If they're going to have a balanced attack on offense this Saturday, they'll need Mixon to produce.

Mixon had 106 rushing yards and a touchdown on 25 carries in last week's win over the Los Angeles Chargers. He was highly productive in the second round of that game.

When the Chiefs and Texans squared off on Dec. 21, Mixon had 57 yards on 14 carries. Obviously, the Texans will need a bit more from him this Saturday in order to advance to the AFC Championship.

Oddsmakers have the Chiefs as two-possession favorites over the Texans. ESPN's computer model, meanwhile, gives Kansas City a 62.7 percent chance of advancing.

Kickoff for the Chiefs-Texans game is at 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: