The Houston Texans have been struggling to establish a strong running game this season. Despite having two talented running backs in Nick Chubb and Woody Marks, something seems to be missing in their backfield. The absence of Joe Mixon, who has been out due to injury, has left a void that has yet to be filled adequately. However, according to a recent update from Ian Rapoport, there may be some good news on the horizon for the Texans.

Mixon, who has been sidelined since Week 6 with a foot injury, has been sorely missed by the Texans. He was a key player in their offense, providing a dynamic and explosive element to their running game. His absence has been felt not only in the stat sheet but also on the field, as the Texans have struggled to find their footing without him.

But according to Rapoport, Mixon’s return may be sooner than expected. The NFL insider reported that Mixon has been making significant progress in his recovery and could potentially be back on the field in the near future. This news has brought a glimmer of hope to the Texans and their fans, who have been eagerly awaiting the return of their star running back.

Mixon’s impact on the Texans’ offense cannot be overstated. In his last full season in 2019, he rushed for over 1,100 yards and scored eight touchdowns. He was also a reliable receiving option out of the backfield, recording 35 receptions for 287 yards and three touchdowns. His versatility and explosiveness made him a vital part of the Texans’ game plan, and his absence has been sorely felt.

While Chubb and Marks have done their best to fill in for Mixon, they have not been able to replicate his production. Chubb has rushed for 561 yards and five touchdowns, while Marks has added 390 yards and two touchdowns. While these are respectable numbers, they pale in comparison to Mixon’s contributions.

With Mixon’s potential return on the horizon, the Texans’ running game could receive a much-needed boost. His presence would not only add another weapon to their offense but also take some pressure off of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Mixon’s ability to break tackles and make big plays would open up the passing game and create more opportunities for the Texans’ receivers.

Moreover, Mixon’s return would also provide a much-needed morale boost for the team. The Texans have had a tough season so far, with a record of 2-7. Mixon’s return would inject some much-needed energy and motivation into the team, giving them a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

In conclusion, the Houston Texans’ running game has been stuck in the mud this season. However, with the potential return of Joe Mixon, there is a glimmer of hope for the team and their fans. Mixon’s impact on the offense cannot be overstated, and his return would provide a much-needed boost to the struggling Texans. Let’s hope that Rapoport’s update turns out to be true, and we see Mixon back on the field soon. The Texans and their fans could certainly use some good news in what has been a challenging season so far.