The Houston Texans overpowered the Chicago Bears 16-10 in a Sunday night showdown that wasn’t as close as the final score suggests. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud led the charge, completing 23 of 36 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown, while the Houston defense relentlessly pressured Bears QB Caleb Williams, sacking him seven times. The Texans’ win moves them to 2-0 on the season, but it wasn’t without its setbacks.
Veteran kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn was a key contributor to Houston’s victory, nailing four field goals, three of which were from over 50 yards, keeping Chicago at bay throughout the game. However, the Texans’ win was overshadowed by a significant injury to their star running back Joe Mixon.
Joe Mixon Suffers Ankle Injury on Controversial Play
In the third quarter, Mixon was tackled by Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards on a play that led to heated reactions both on and off the field. Mixon appeared to be the victim of an illegal hip-drop tackle, a technique the NFL emphasized banning earlier this year due to its high injury risk. Mixon was visibly frustrated after the play, heading to the locker room to get his ankle checked out.
Mixon returned to the game but was clearly limited, finishing the night with just seven carries for 25 yards and playing only seven more snaps after the injury. The star running back took to social media following the game to express his disappointment with the lack of a penalty on the play.
the man making this tackle on Joe Mixon should be put in cuffs…
pic.twitter.com/OMUX4Z2Oae— Gavin McHugh (@gavinmchughh) September 16, 2024
Mixon Calls Out NFL for Lack of Enforcement
Mixon wasted no time sharing his thoughts on the incident, criticizing the NFL for not enforcing its ban on hip-drop tackles. In a tweet, Mixon said, “The NFL and NFLPA made it a rule and an emphasis for a reason. Time to put your money where your mouth is.”
In another post, Mixon claimed that the referee denied the tackle was illegal, responding, “When I got up I asked the ref where is the flag, that was a hip tackle. & his reply was no it wasn’t.”
Despite no flag being thrown during the game, NFL insider Ian Rapoport has since reported that the league is reviewing the tackle, and Edwards could face a fine for the hit.
The NFL and NFLPA made it a rule and an emphasis for a reason. Time to put your money where your mouth is.
— ⚡️Primetime!!!⚡️ (@Joe_MainMixon) September 16, 2024
Texans Look Ahead as Mixon’s Status Remains Unclear
With Mixon’s status for Week 3 up in the air, the Texans will face a crucial test as they prepare to take on the Seattle Seahawks. The Texans will hope to see Mixon return to full health quickly, but in the meantime, they will need to lean on other offensive weapons to maintain their early-season momentum.
The hip-drop tackle by #Bears LB T.J. Edwards will be reviewed for a possible fine this week. But no call on Sunday night. https://t.co/nMi2U5XMut
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 16, 2024
The Texans are off to a hot start, but losing Mixon for any extended period could slow their progress, making his potential absence a key storyline to watch in the coming days.
