Joe Mixon Injury Update: Texans' RB Status Uncertain

The Lingering Question: Will Joe Mixon Play for the Texans in 2025?

When the Houston Texans signed Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon to a contract extension last offseason, expectations were high. He had just finished a 2024 campaign where he amassed 1,016 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, cementing himself as the focal point of the Texans' ground game. Instead, the 2025 season has been defined by uncertainty and a frustrating absence, as Mixon has yet to step onto the field due to a nagging foot injury that has sidelined him since the start of training camp in July.

The Injury: A Persistent and Unclear Situation

Mixon was placed on the team's Non-Football Injury (NFI) list at the beginning of camp. The specific nature of the foot/ankle injury has never been fully disclosed by the organization, though reports indicate he sought specialized treatment, including shockwave therapy in Tampa, Fla., aimed at promoting healing. The lack of transparency surrounding the injury itself has been matched only by the ambiguity surrounding his potential return timeline.

"It’s just a very gray situation," Texans General Manager Nick Caserio reiterated recently on SportsRadio 610. "Joe’s worked at it and there are times when he’s made progress, and other times when the progress just kind of stalled there a little bit."

"Players in his status or situation are on the reserve list until they’re not... So, Joe’s doing everything he can. Obviously, we’re getting pretty late in the game here. So, I don’t want to establish any sort of expectations."

Caserio's comments, echoed in multiple reports, paint a picture of frustration and helplessness. He admitted that a previous statement from October – suggesting the team would have "more clarity" within "three or four weeks" – has not materialized. "I don’t think we have any more clarity at this point," Caserio confirmed. "I think at this point, he’s out until he’s not. It’s a lot of ambiguity. Not a lot of clarity. It’s nobody’s fault. It’s just the reality of the situation."

Head Coach DeMeco Ryans has offered even less, typically responding "I do not" when asked for updates. This silence has left fans and fantasy football owners alike guessing about Mixon's availability, especially as the Texans navigate a crucial 5-5 record and fight for a playoff spot in the AFC.

Impact on the Texans' Ground Game and Playoff Push

Without Mixon, the Texans have leaned on a committee approach led by veteran Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks. Chubb, signed to a one-year deal, has been efficient between the tackles, averaging 4.2 yards per carry on 99 attempts. Marks, a fourth-round pick out of USC, has taken on a larger role in the passing game, logging 190 receiving yards and two touchdowns on just 16 catches, while also chipping in with 3.5 yards per carry on 99 rushing attempts.

Current Texans Running Back Depth Chart:

• Nick Chubb: Veteran presence, strong inside runner
• Woody Marks: Rookie receiving threat and reliable runner
• Dare Ogunbowale: Versatile change-of-pace/receiver
• Dameon Pierce: Limited role this season (4 games played)
• British Brooks: Primarily used as a fullback

The team's ability to move the ball on the ground has been inconsistent without Mixon's proven power and versatility. While Chubb and Marks have performed admirably under difficult circumstances, Mixon's explosiveness and pass-catching ability remain a significant missing piece. The Texans' playoff chances could hinge on getting more consistent production from the running game, making Mixon's potential return increasingly valuable, albeit seemingly unlikely as the season wears on.

What Lies Ahead?

With the Texans entering Week 12 and the season approaching its final stretch, the prospects for a Joe Mixon return in 2025 appear dimmer than ever. Caserio's refusal to set expectations and the description of the situation as "gray" and without clarity strongly suggest the team has resigned itself to Mixon missing the entire season. The focus for the Texans now is maximizing the current group of running backs and securing a playoff berth without relying on a comeback that seems increasingly improbable.

While Mixon has remained visible, attending games and supporting the team from the sidelines, it's unclear what the future holds for him with the Texans beyond this frustrating 2025 season. For now, the only certainty is that the Pro Bowl back remains sidelined, his return date as uncertain as the nature of the injury that has kept him away.