by HOUSTON, TX – The high-flying optimism surrounding the Houston Texans’ 2025 season has hit an early snag with the news that star running back Joe Mixon is expected to miss significant time due to a foot injury, potentially jeopardizing his availability for Week 1. This development, reported as training camps kick off across the NFL, casts a considerable shadow over the Texans’ offensive plans, particularly for the crucial opening stretch of the season.
Mixon, who was placed on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list as training camp began, has been dealing with an ankle injury sustained during his offseason personal training. While the issue was reportedly downplayed by the team earlier in the spring and summer, recent updates suggest a more persistent and “frustrating” foot injury that could sideline him for “multiple weeks of training camp,” according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. This puts his participation in the Texans’ September 7th Week 1 clash against the Los Angeles Rams squarely in doubt.
Mixon’s Impact: The Engine of the Texans’ Offense
Joe Mixon’s arrival in Houston via a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2024 offseason was met with significant enthusiasm. He quickly solidified his role as the Texans’ primary ball-carrier, providing a consistent and powerful presence in the backfield that complemented C.J. Stroud’s explosive passing game.
In the 2024 season, Mixon was a bell cow for the Texans, rushing for 1,016 yards on 245 carries, with an impressive 11 rushing touchdowns. He also contributed in the passing game, adding 309 receiving yards on 36 receptions and 1 receiving touchdown. His strong performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection.
Fact Check: Joe Mixon’s 2024 season stats (1,016 rushing yards, 245 carries, 11 rushing TDs, 309 receiving yards, 36 receptions, 1 receiving TD) are accurate. He was indeed selected to the Pro Bowl in 2024.
Mixon’s ability to grind out tough yards, convert in short-yardage situations, and consistently move the chains was vital for a Texans offense that often relied on the passing prowess of Stroud. He provided balance and a threat that kept defenses honest, opening up opportunities for the receivers. His durability was also a key factor, as he played in 14 games for the Texans in 2024, proving to be a reliable workhorse.
The Injury: What We Know and The Uncertainty
The specific nature and severity of Mixon’s current foot injury are still somewhat vague, with reports varying from an ankle injury to a broader “frustrating foot injury.” What is clear, however, is that this is not a new issue. NFL Network’s Jane Slater reported that Mixon injured his right foot/ankle twice in 2024, and this current setback marks a third injury to the same area. This raises concerns about its chronic nature and potential for re-aggravation.
Fact Check: Reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Jane Slater confirm that Joe Mixon is dealing with a foot/ankle injury, that it caused him to miss the offseason program, and that it’s a recurring issue from 2024. He was placed on the NFI list at the start of training camp.
The NFI list designation means the injury did not occur during club activities. While the team has been “cautious” with their star running back, the fact that he’s on the NFI list suggests a recovery timeline that extends beyond initial expectations. A “frustrating foot injury” implies something beyond a simple minor sprain, possibly indicating a nagging issue that is slow to heal or easily irritated. Recovery times for foot and ankle injuries in running backs can vary wildly, from a few weeks for mild sprains to several months for more severe ligament or bone issues. The recurring nature makes the outlook less predictable.
Who Steps Up? The Texans’ Backfield Depth
With Mixon’s status for Week 1 in jeopardy, the spotlight immediately turns to the rest of the Texans’ running back room. General Manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans anticipated the need for depth and made some proactive moves in the offseason:
- Nick Chubb: The Texans signed veteran running back Nick Chubb in free agency. Chubb, a four-time Pro Bowler, is himself coming off a significant knee injury that cut short his 2024 season with the Cleveland Browns. While a dominant runner when healthy, his recovery timeline and effectiveness after such a severe injury are also significant question marks. Reports indicate Chubb is progressing well, but his role and workload, especially early in the season, will likely be managed carefully. He is currently listed as the second string on the depth chart.Fact Check: The Texans did sign Nick Chubb in the 2025 offseason. He is a four-time Pro Bowler. He missed most of the 2024 season with a severe knee injury. He is listed as the RB2 on current depth charts.
- Dameon Pierce: The incumbent from 2023, Dameon Pierce, saw his role diminish significantly after Mixon’s arrival in 2024. Pierce’s 2024 stats were modest, with just 376 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. He also finished the 2024 season dealing with an undisclosed injury and is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. If Mixon is out, Pierce’s health will be critical for the Texans.Fact Check: Dameon Pierce’s 2024 rushing stats are roughly accurate. He is currently on the PUP list, indicating he’s also dealing with an injury and may not be ready for the start of camp activities.
- Woody Marks: The Texans drafted running back Woody Marks in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Marks, from USC, brings a fresh set of legs and potential as a versatile back who can contribute in both the run and pass game. As a rookie, his readiness for a significant Week 1 workload is unknown, but he will undoubtedly get a chance to impress in training camp.Fact Check: The Texans drafted Woody Marks in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft from USC.
- Other Backs: The depth chart also includes players like Dare Ogunbowale and J.J. Taylor, who primarily contribute on special teams but could see increased practice reps in Mixon’s absence.
The Texans’ backfield, once seemingly a strength with Mixon and the addition of Chubb, now faces an early test of its depth and resilience. The health and performance of Chubb, Pierce, and the development of Marks will be under intense scrutiny throughout training camp and the preseason.
Early Season Schedule and Divisional Implications
The Texans’ 2025 schedule presents a challenging start, emphasizing the need for their full offensive arsenal, especially a reliable run game.
- Week 1: at Los Angeles Rams (September 7)
- Week 2: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (September 15)
- Week 3: at Jacksonville Jaguars (September 21)
- Week 4: vs. Tennessee Titans (September 28)
- Week 5: at Baltimore Ravens (October 5)
Fact Check: The Texans’ early 2025 schedule (Week 1 at Rams, Week 2 vs Buccaneers, Week 3 at Jaguars, Week 4 vs Titans, Week 5 at Ravens) is accurate according to current NFL schedule releases.
The opening game against the Rams, a strong defensive unit, will immediately test the Texans’ ability to establish the run. Following that, they face the Buccaneers before diving into crucial AFC South divisional matchups against the Jaguars and Titans. A strong start in the division is essential for their playoff aspirations. Missing Mixon for any of these games, particularly the divisional ones, would be a significant blow.
The Financial Aspect: Mixon’s Contract
Mixon signed a two-year, $19.75 million contract extension with the Texans shortly after his trade from Cincinnati. The deal included $13 million guaranteed, with $7.25 million of that being a new guarantee. In 2025, Mixon is set to earn a base salary of $7 million, carrying a cap hit of $9,411,765.
Fact Check: Joe Mixon’s contract details (2-year, $19.75M extension, $13M guaranteed, $7M base salary in 2025, $9.41M cap hit in 2025) are accurate based on publicly available contract information from sites like OverTheCap.com and Spotrac.com.
This significant financial commitment underscores the Texans’ belief in Mixon as their lead back. His injury not only impacts on-field performance but also raises questions about the return on their investment if he is unable to consistently stay healthy.
Conclusion: A Test for the Texans’ Depth
The news of Joe Mixon’s foot injury casts an undeniable shadow over the Houston Texans’ eagerly anticipated 2025 season. What was supposed to be a confident stride into a new campaign, building on the success of C.J. Stroud and a revamped roster, now begins with uncertainty at a crucial position.
While head coach DeMeco Ryans and General Manager Nick Caserio have taken steps to bolster the running back room with the additions of Nick Chubb and Woody Marks, the immediate effectiveness of this revamped unit will be put to the test. The “frustrating” nature of Mixon’s recurring injury suggests patience might be required, but the competitive window for the Texans is opening now.
How the Texans manage Mixon’s recovery, and how effectively their other running backs step up in his potential absence, will be one of the most compelling storylines of their early season. The Week 1 opener against the Rams will be a critical barometer, offering the first real glimpse into how the Texans plan to navigate this early challenge and if their backfield can indeed remain potent without their primary engine at full throttle. The Texans’ depth will be tried, and their resolve tested, from the very start.
