Bengals’ RB Joe Mixon was injured late in yesterday’s win over the Denver Broncos and could miss time. With just two and a half minutes remaining, Mixon took a handoff and cut towards the sideline before getting wrapped up by Denver CB Pat Surtain II. As the two hit the ground, Mixon’s knee got caught beneath him and Surtain fell on Mixon’s ankle, causing him to twist awkwardly.
Mixon attempted to stand up but fell again to the grass where he laid, writhing in pain. Medical staff attended to him and removed his helmet before helping him off the field. He did not return for the rest of the game.
The expectation is Mixon suffered a moderate ankle sprain, with injuries to the outer ligaments of his left ankle. This would be the second sprain he has suffered in his left ankle this season; the first occurring in Week 4 in a win over Jacksonville. He was able to return in Week 5, but was clearly not healthy, putting up 33 yards on 10 attempts in an overtime loss to Green Bay.
Head coach Zac Taylor was unable to provide any updates postgame, but sprains of this nature vary in time missed, ranging from 1-3 weeks. While Mixon was able to return from his Week 4 sprain rather quickly, that doesn’t mean he will be able to repeat that this time.
The Bengals need Mixon moving forward, considering he is the 2nd-leading rusher in the league (1,094 yards) and Cincinnati has a chance to win the AFC North. On top of 1,094 rushing yards, Mixon has 12 TD’s (3rd) and averages 4.2 yards-per-carry.
With just three weeks remaining, the Bengals face off against Cleveland and Baltimore; two teams fighting for the same AFC North title. If Mixon has to sit out the remainder of the regular season, there may be no postseason for Cincinnati.
We expect to have more updates on Mixon today and throughout the week.
