For the second straight year, Cam Akers will be the Houston Texans’ leading running back. Houston was already without backup Dameon Pierce and was without Joe Mixon because of a sprained ankle.

Mixon returned to practice Friday, sparking some optimism that he could return. He arrived on Sunday on a game-time decision but will not be on the field as he continues to recover from an ankle injury he suffered in Week 2.

The former Pro Bowl running back was left early in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears after linebacker TJ Edwards appeared to commit a hip-drop tackle that was banned by the league in the offseason. Edwards was fined $16,883 for the play.

Mixon rushed for a team-high 184 yards through the first two weeks, including a 159-yard debut in the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts. Since the Texans reached 213 yards in Week 1, they have only totaled 113 yards on the ground.

Akers will once again take over the leadback duties after rushing for 21 yards on nine attempts. Akers is in his first season with Houston after previous stints with the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings.

Houston also signed running back JJ Taylor from the practice squad to add depth behind Akers and passing down back Dare Ogunbowale.

Mixon and Tank Dell are two of the offensive weapons missing from quarterback CJ Stroud, who will look to lift the unit after scoring just seven points a week ago.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans vs. Jaguars: RB Joe Mixon opted out vs. Jaguars