Joe Mixon questions NFL player safety policies amid ongoing concerns
- Joe Mixon suffered an ankle injury in Week 2 due to a banned hip-drop tackle by linebacker T.J. Edwards.
- Mixon criticized the NFL for the low fine given to Edwards compared to higher fines for other players.
- He emphasized the need for the league to prioritize player safety and expressed uncertainty about his return for the next game.
In Houston, Texans running back Joe Mixon expressed his frustration with the NFL's player safety policies following an ankle injury he sustained in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears. The injury occurred when linebacker T.J. Edwards executed a banned hip-drop tackle, which went unpenalized during the game. Mixon highlighted the inconsistency in fines, noting that Edwards was fined only $16,883 for the illegal tackle, while his teammate Nico Collins faced a higher fine for a different infraction. This disparity has raised concerns about the league's commitment to player safety. Mixon, who was named AFC Player of the Week for his performance in Week 1, has been vocal on social media about the need for the NFL and NFLPA to prioritize player safety over other concerns. As he returned to practice after his injury, he remained uncertain about his availability for the upcoming game against the New England Patriots, emphasizing the importance of integrity in the game and the need for consistent enforcement of safety rules.