The Houston Texans ended up relying on Cam Akers at running back for the second straight week, as fellow running backs Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce missed practice for the second straight day on Thursday.
Pierce, the team’s leading rusher as a rookie in 2022, is dealing with a hamstring injury. McXon, who joined the Texans this offseason after playing for the Cincinnati Bengals for seven seasons, is considered week-to-week after injuring his ankle against the Chicago Bears in Week 2.
McXon, 28, is the team’s leading rusher with 184 yards on 39 carries despite missing the Texans’ 34-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings last week.
In his absence, Akers, 25, managed just 21 yards on nine carries (2.3 yards per carry) to lead the team. The Texans (2-1) managed just 38 yards on the ground as a team.
Pierce, 24, also missed significant time, appearing in just one game this season (Week 1 vs. Indianapolis Colts), rushing the ball three times for 16 yards. The team hopes he can return soon, although he practiced for the second time in a row on Thursday.
Pierce rushed for 939 yards in 2022 before rushing for 416 yards last season.
Wide receiver Tank Dell (hand/ribs) and safety Jimmie Ward (groin) also did not practice Thursday, as the Texans prepare to host the Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3) on Sunday.
Wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) and defensive end Foley Fatukasi (shoulder) participated on a limited basis.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars had a new addition to the injury report in linebacker Devin Lloyd (knee). Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun has already been reported to have a foot problem, plantar fasciitis, and is expected to miss several weeks. Tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) has been out since his first game against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 15.
Listed as limited Thursday are running back Tank Bigsby (shoulder), offensive lineman Cam Robinson (knee), wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) and defensive backs Darnell Savage (quadricep), Jarrian Jones (shoulder) and Montaric Brown (chest).
–Field Level Media