Joe Mixon

Joe Mixon (ankle) did not practice Thursday.

That’s two straight missed practices to open the week for Mixon, who is still considered week-to-week by the team. If Mixon can’t go, there’s a good chance Dameon Pierce will enter Week 4 as the team’s starter if he suits up, but Pierce has also missed the first two practices of the week. Other than Mixon, the Texans backfield is one to avoid in fantasy. A Week 5 return for the veteran back seems far more likely than a Week 4 return.