Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) returns to practice

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon returned to practice Thursday, raising questions about his availability to play in Sunday's game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass. Mixon has been sidelined since injuring his ankle during the Texans' 19-13 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sept. 15. Mixon, 28, has rushed for 184 yards and a touchdown in two games this season. A Pro Bowl selection in 2021, Mixon has rushed for 6,596 yards and 50 touchdowns to go along with 289 receptions for 2,183 yards and 13 scores in 99 career games (90 starts) with the Cincinnati Bengals (2017-23) and the Texans. He was selected by the Bengals in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma. Starting tackles Laremy Tunsil (ankle) and Tytus Howard (hamstring) and starting left guard Kenyon Green (knee) also returned to practice on Thursday. --Field Level Media