While the Houston Texans returned for the start of voluntary OTAs, two noticeable names were absent from drills.
According to The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander, running back Joe Mixon and linebacker Christian Harris were not at practice when camp broke early Wednesday morning. Both could be out due to injury, though Texans coach DeMeco Ryans has yet to comment on the absence.
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Earlier this month, KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson reported that Mixon was dealing with an ankle injury and would be limited during drills this summer. The Pro Bowl running back kickstarted his career back in action following a trade from Cincinnati, totaling over 1,000 rushing yards and finishing with 12 touchdowns as the backbone of Houston’s ground game. He’s expected to be ready for Week 1’s showdown with the Los Angeles Rams.
Harris, who missed a majority of last season with a calf injury, could be fighting for playing time this fall after Houston signed former Colts starter E.J. Speed. After a breakout 2023 season, Harris was limited in his reps for the Texans’ front seven behind Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o. Both players are expected to compete for starting reps with Speed and Harris, so reps are essential for him to flourish.
A former third-round pick out of Alabama, Harris is entering a contract year. He could end up walking in free agency should he make the 53-man roster, though Houston could also entertain the idea of a trade for draft compensation if he remains the odd man out in drills
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The Texans will have open practices on Wednesday and Friday for the media. They will return on Tuesday, June 3, for the secondary stages of OTAs.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans RB Joe Mixon, LB Christian Harris absent from start of OTAs