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.

Michael Shapiro is a sports reporter for Chron, covering the Astros, Rockets, Texans and every team in town. Michael is a Denver native and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, and a noted fan of pull-up threes, wide-receiver passes and a good hot fudge sundae.

The Houston Texans will be without running back Joe Mixon against the Minnesota Vikings because of an ankle injury