Joe Mixon has been battling an ankle injury that initially raised doubts about his availability for the Texans' playoff clash against the Chiefs. Mixon was added to the injury report midweek and was a limited participant in practice, eventually sitting out on Thursday. However, the Texans have confirmed that Mixon will be active for the game, a decision that could significantly impact their offensive strategy. Mixon's ability to play through injuries has been a testament to his resilience, as he has managed to participate in every game since Week 6 despite earlier ankle issues [1] [2].

Joe Mixon has been a cornerstone of the Texans' offense this season, amassing over 1,000 rushing yards and earning his second Pro Bowl honor. His versatility extends beyond rushing, as he has also contributed in the passing game with 36 catches. With the Texans missing key wide receivers due to injuries, Mixon's role becomes even more critical. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud emphasized Mixon's importance, noting, "It's nice to have that and not have a whole bunch on my plate all the time" [2]. Mixon's presence provides a dual-threat option that can keep the Chiefs' defense on its toes [3].

The Kansas City Chiefs, who had a bye week during the Wild Card round, enter the game well-rested and mostly healthy. The Chiefs have been preparing diligently, with cornerback Jaylen Watson returning from injury to bolster their defense. Chiefs coach Andy Reid praised Watson's hard work, saying, "He's worked tremendously hard to get himself to this point." The Chiefs' readiness, combined with their strategic adjustments on the offensive line, positions them strongly against the Texans. The matchup is set to be a closely contested battle, with both teams eager to advance to the AFC Championship [4] [5].