Stroud throws a TD pass, Mixon scores as the Texans defeat the Colts 23-20

HOUSTON – CJ Stroud threw for 285 yards and a touchdown and Joe Mixon ran for 102 yards with a score to help the Houston Texans to a 23-20 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

Stroud bounced back after rushing for a career-worst 86 yards in a loss to the Packers last week, allowing the Texans (6-2) to extend their lead atop the AFC South.

Houston's defense intercepted Anthony Richardson once and harassed him throughout the game as the Texans won their season series against Indianapolis (4-4) for the second time in franchise history.

The Colts appeared to have taken the lead with about three minutes left when Mixon fumbled and it was recovered by defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo.

He jumped up after grabbing the fumble and rumbled 84 yards for what was initially called a touchdown, making it 27-23. But the play was reviewed and the score was erased when he was ejected for contact.

The Colts couldn't move the ball after that and had to punt after Danielle Hunter sacked Richardson on third down.

Indianapolis got the ball again late, but Richardson was again sacked by Hunter and fumbled on the final play to end the game before he could attempt a desperation pass.

Richardson was 10 of 32 for 175 yards with a touchdown in his second game back after missing nearly three entire games with a right hip injury. He was fired five times and beaten another eight times.

Jonathan Taylor caught 20 carries for 105 yards and a touchdown for the Colts in his comeback after missing the last three games with a sprained ankle.

The Texans led 17-10 at halftime and Ka'imi Fairbairn's second field goal of the half extended Houston's lead to 23-13 early in the fourth quarter.

Richardson found Josh Downs for a 25-yard gain that was initially ruled a touchdown, but a review showed it was on 1st. Taylor scored two plays later, putting the Colts up 23-20 with eight minutes left in the fourth.

The Texans, already playing without Nico Collins, lost Stefon Diggs in the third quarter to a non-contact knee injury. Diggs ran a route late in the third quarter, pulled himself up and grabbed his right knee before falling to the ground.

He went to the locker room under his own power and did not return. Diggs, who is playing his first season in Houston after transferring from Buffalo, had five receptions for 81 yards before his injury.

The game was tied 3-3 when Richardson hit Downs for a 69-yard touchdown that made the score 10-3 late in the first quarter.

The Texans tied it again when Mixon scored on a 14-yard run, evading a defender before dragging cornerback Jaylon Jones into the end zone.

Jalen Pitre intercepted Richardson and returned it to the Indianapolis 7 late in the second quarter. Stroud found Tank Dell in the back of the end zone on the next play, putting Houston on top 17-10.

Injuries

Colts: S Trevor Denbow injured his knee in the first quarter and did not return.

Texans: LT Jarrett Patterson left in the second quarter with a concussion. … S Calen Bullock injured his shoulder in the third quarter.

In honor of Andre

Andre Johnson was presented the Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence during a halftime ceremony. The receiver, who played for Houston from 2003 to 2014, became the first Texan to be inducted into the Pro Footbal Hall of Fame this summer.

“It wasn’t just about getting into the Hall of Fame for me, it was about the whole city,” Johnson told the crowd.

Next

Colts: Visit Minnesota next Sunday.

Texans: Visit the Jets on Thursday night.

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