Key Points
- Joe Mixon is unlikely to play in the 2025 NFL season due to a lingering offseason foot injury.
- The veteran RB remains on the Non‑Football Injury (NFI) list with no timetable for return.
- Mixon has not practiced since July, and team officials describe his status as “gray” and “ambiguous.”
- Houston has relied on Nick Chubb and Dameon Pierce, but the run game has struggled without Mixon.
- Reports now suggest Mixon may be sidelined until the 2026 season.
Texans Preparing for a Full Season Without Their Lead Rusher
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon is not expected to take the field in 2025 as he continues to battle a stubborn foot injury suffered during the offseason. According to multiple reports, including NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Mixon’s recovery has shown little progress, leaving him on the Non‑Football Injury (NFI) list with no clear return date.
The development is a significant setback for a Texans team that had high hopes for Mixon following his strong debut year in Houston.
A Breakout First Season Interrupted
Mixon, 29, rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024, quickly establishing himself as a central piece of the Texans’ offense. But he has not practiced since July, when the injury first emerged.
General Manager Nick Caserio and Head Coach DeMeco Ryans have offered few specifics throughout the season, repeatedly describing Mixon’s situation as “gray” and “ambiguous,” fueling speculation about the severity of the injury.
Houston Turns to Chubb and Pierce Amid Inconsistent Ground Game
With Mixon sidelined, the Texans have leaned on free‑agent signing Nick Chubb—who is returning from a major injury of his own—and third‑year back Dameon Pierce. While both have shown flashes, Houston’s rushing attack has struggled to find rhythm without its lead back.
Mixon was placed on the NFI list before the season began, automatically ruling him out for the first four games. Months later, no positive updates have surfaced.
Reports Point Toward Extended Absence
Recent reporting indicates Mixon’s injury may be more serious than initially believed. Some insiders now suggest the veteran running back may not return until 2026, raising long‑term questions about the Texans’ backfield plans.
For a team looking to build on last season’s momentum, Mixon’s uncertain future remains one of the franchise’s most pressing concerns.
What Happens Next
Houston is expected to continue rotating Chubb and Pierce while exploring additional options at running back. Unless Mixon’s recovery takes an unexpected turn, the Texans will likely operate under the assumption that he will not return this season—and possibly not next year either.
