“Will Joe Mixon Play?” We’re all asking, as the Houston Texans host the Kansas City Chiefs in a Divisional Round thriller. There is no other player who matters more when the stakes are this high and for the Texans, no one is more important than their Pro Bowl running back. Mixon, their running back has an ankle injury and is still ready to go. The game will be one to remember and all eyes are on him and the Texans seeking to get through the postseason. So, will he play?

The Houston Texans QB Joe Mixon has been nothing short of fire this season. Mixon, who has 1,016 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns on 245 attempts, has solidified his role as one of the team’s core players. Mixon has capitalized on the Texans’ speed, power, and run game. His 309 catches and TD on 36 is as good of a playmaker on the field as it gets. But he’s a lock for Saturday’s visit with the Kansas City Chiefs. Mixon has been out of practice with an ankle injury but should be on the field. But what was the story with this injury, and what does it say about the Texan’s prospects for playoff success?

Mixon injury: Can he make it to the Saturday war?

Joe Mixon’s ankle injury from practice on Jan. 15, 2025, has been a little bit of a flashpoint with the playoffs drawing ever nearer. Mixon did not train on Thursday, Jan. 16, so no word on his condition. He’s at the center of the Texan’s offense and if we lose him, it would be disastrous. But the good news is Mixon is still on board for the AFC Divisional Round. The Texans have not been very active with him this week, not getting many reps, but if there is one guy who can play through an injury and make a game day, it’s Joe Mixon.

Chiefs defense is dangerous no doubt and a revived Joe Mixon is exactly what the Texans need to keep Kansas City at bay. But not “up and going” — up and becoming, the game-winner he has been all season. Will he be in full health? That remains to be seen. The Texans are going to need every bit of Mixon’s ability and leadership if they’re going to beat out the Mighty Chiefs and put themselves back in the playoffs.

Quite the opposite: Andrew Beck is the pocket knife you keep in your pocket, always available, always on call, and always ready to help. Running, catching, even getting kicks back (remember that 86-yard phenom of 2019? ), Beck’s had it all for the Texans. And now when they need him the most,  Beck has been elevated for the AFC Divisional Round game against the Chiefs along with RB J.J. Taylor.

The Houston Texans tackle machine Azeez Al-Shaair is making 163 tackles this season and is fifth in the league. ‘What a guard dog, then? But it’s not always a straight line to the playoffs — he’s nursing a knee injury he suffered in the Wild Card win over the Chargers. Currently, he’s rated questionable for the AFC Divisional Round with the Chiefs. Will he play? … Oooh, well that’s not set in stone but if anyone can heal a wound, it’s Al-Shaair. Then on top of that, Al-Shaair season’s already got some drama. He was already serving a three-game suspension earlier for an illegal tackle on Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence. But he recovered, as always. His drudgery and playmaking have been a big one for the Texans’ defense, however. When he goes to play Chiefs, don’t think he’s gonna slow down, knee, or Chiefs offense, Al-Shaair’s gonna be on it.

Being prepared for the rain: What the forecast has to say about Mixon’s play

You don’t imagine Kansas City in January to be blue sky and warm breeze. Weather: Cold, 47°F (8°C), then just cold, 34°F (1°C), and the weather will make or break Saturday’s game. Even more daunting is the frigid temperatures for Mixon, who has ankle surgery.
Playing in the frigid doesn’t spare a broken body. But Mixon’s had a rough life and the Texan running back is one of those people that can live with the cold. The cold at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium will not come easily to Mixon but neither will it come easily to the Chiefs.

The teams are used to playing in the low and the Texans will have to hope the weather holds up. But you’re only as good as your tenacity and willpower when you get stuck — and Mixon has a lot of both. So get ready for him to hustle and have a big role to play, even if the weather turns his playoff push into a little bit more drama.

The Kansas City Chiefs are not a very popular rival of the Houston Texans and they’re 13-2 all-time against them. Even if you don’t count playoff games, the Texans were just 1-11 when the Chiefs beat them 30-10 in the 2016 AFC Wild Card and 51-31 in the 2019 AFC Divisional Round. Until this season, Houston’s record against Kansas City isn’t pretty.

Joe Mixon, meanwhile, has played the Chiefs three times, and every time he has tested his willpower and mobility. Mixon did not score a touchdown in their last game, against the Saints on Dec. 21, 2024, but he was huge. He ran for 14 carries of 57 yards, 4.1 yards per carry, and caught a pass for 14 yards. Mixon did not get into the end zone but, as it turned out, against a hard defense like the Chiefs’, it isn’t about the numbers; it’s about consistently working and staying sharp.