The former Pro Bowler with the Bengals was fairly quiet in Week 2 and now has an ankle injury that will keep him off the field. Pierce, the Texans' RB2, has only three carries this year but went over 1,

Running back J.J. Taylor was from the practice squad to the active roster in place of Mixon. Houston also elevated linebacker and special teams standout Zeke Turner to bolster kick coverage in place of Dameon Pierce, who was also ruled out due to a hamstring issue.

Akers took the first-team snaps Wednesday with starter Joe Mixon sidelined due to an ankle injury that could prevent him from playing this week along with backup running back Dameon Pierce with a minor strained hamstring. Neither of the running backs’ injuries are regarded as long-term, per league sources.