The Houston Texans are preparing to walk into the belly of the beast as they must face the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round.
Heading into the road game, the Texans got some good news.
“Texans Pro Bowl RB Joe Mixon (ankle) and standout LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee), listed as questionable, are both expected to play Saturday vs. the Chiefs,” NFL insider Jordan Schultz wrote on X.
Sources: #Texans Pro Bowl RB Joe Mixon (ankle) and standout LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee), listed as questionable, are both expected to play Saturday vs the #Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/wsQumBwo4x
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 17, 2025
Mixon has been superb for Houston out of the backfield this season.
A five-time 1,000-yard rusher, he ran for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games while adding 36 receptions for 309 yards and one touchdown.
He is arguably the team’s most important offensive player, along with wide receiver Nico Collins.
Al-Shaair is a key piece of DeMeco Ryans’ defense, capable of impacting the game from sideline to sideline.
He recorded career-highs in quarterback hits (7) and forced fumbles (2), and tied a career-high with two sacks.
The Texans will need every single impactful player available if they have hopes of ending Kansas City’s Super Bowl hopes and advancing to the AFC Championship.
It will be interesting to see how Mixon and Al-Shaair perform in warmups before they take the field.
If they look good and healthy, the Texans could have a chance to pull off the upset.
NEXT: Key Texans Player Is Questionable For Playoff Game
