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Joe Mixon makes Texans’ history in loss vs. Packers

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Is Joe Mixon the best running back for the Houston Texans since Arian Foster?

It’s still too early to tell based on longevity, but the former Pro Bowl did join Foster in the Texans’ history books on Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field.

With his 115-yard, two-touchdown performance in a 24-22 loss against the Green Bay Packers, Mixon became the second running back in franchise history to record 100 rushing yards and multiple touchdowns in consecutive games.

In last week’s 41-21 win against the New England Patriots, Mixon rushed for 102 yards off 13 carries and scored a pair of touchdowns in his first game back since suffering an ankle injury in Week 2.

“Joe is going to make some impact plays happen for us,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday. “And everybody thrives off the momentum that Joe is able to create with his run style and his playmaking ability is really huge for our team.

“His mentality, how he runs the ball, it really gives us a chance.”

After inking a three-year, $27 million extension this offseason, many believed Mixon’s best days were behind him. Instead, he’s been a workhorse in three games and a significant reason why the Texans sit at 5-2 entering Week 8.

In Week 1’s win over the Indianapolis Colts, he rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown. He also led the league in total yards with 178.

Since being back, Mixon has averaged 5.9 yards per run while also serving as a secondary option in the passing game. In all three games where he’s rushed for over 100 yards, he’s also totaled at least three receptions.

Houston returns to NRG Stadium for a noon CT this Sunday against the Colts. With a victory, the Texans will improve to 3-0 against divisional opponents in 2024.