Head coach DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans are in the early stages of training camp, but they were just thrown an unfortunate curveball regarding Joe Mixon.
A trade pickup from the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024, Mixon is coming off a 1,000-yard campaign. He showed signs of wearing down toward the end of last season. He was also spotted wearing a walking boot while sidelined during the Texans’ offseason program.
The Texans have placed Mixon on the non-football injury list and could be waiting a while.
“#Texans RB Joe Mixon, who is on the non-football injury list, is expected to be out an extended period of time with a frustrating foot injury, sources say,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on July 26. “The Pro Bowler coming off a 1,000-yard season will be reevaluated closer to the season to determine his availability.”
Mixon, who turned 29 on July 24, rushed for 1,016 yards on 245 carries with 11 touchdowns during the 2024 regular season, his first with the Texans.
He has earned $48.4 million in his career and is starting a two-year, $19.7 million contract extension in 2025, and he is eligible for another after this coming season. The Texans have a contingency plan in place for Mixon.
Nick Chubb Could See Bigger Role Than Anticipated
Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander confirmed the reporting about Mixon, noting that it could help explain one of their other decisions.
“Can confirm this news as Rap Sheet is reporting,” Alexander posted on X on July 26, quoting Rapoport’s report. “Explains why the Texans sought out Nick Chubb whom they hope can regain form this season.”
The Texans signed the former Cleveland Browns RB, Chubb, to a one-year, $2.5 million pact.
Chubb, 29, has an extensive injury history, making 10 appearances in 2023 and 2024.
He and Mixon project to give the Texans a hard-nosed backfield tandem. Without Mixon for however long, the Texans will have to manage Chubb’s reps to reduce his risk of injury before the regular season.
“The Texans plan to be cautious with Mixon, a source said,” Alexander said in a follow-up post. “It’s likely they’d hold him out for the entire preseason.”
Texans’ Backfield Depth Facing Early Test
With Mixon down and Chubb at risk, the Texans must turn to their younger, fresher options, such as recent draft picks Dameon Pierce and rookie Woody Marks.
Pierce has been a popular speculative trade candidate, but he could be of better use to the Texans on the field rather than turning him into draft capital. He has not been a significant factor since Mixon’s arrival, but did rush for 939 yards as a rookie fourth-round pick in 2022.
Marks was the Texans’ fourth-round pick in the 2025 draft.
He profiles as a more shifty than powerful option, but one who arrives highly-regarded for his dynamic playmaking capability.
Nothing can replace what the combination of Mixon and Chubb project to do for the Texans. But that is only if both can stay healthy, though. Unfortunately for the Texans, they are banking on a pair of backs with noteworthy injury histories to complement C.J. Stroud and the passing game.
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