Sophia
Houston, TX – The Houston Texans are facing a significant challenge as Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon has been placed on the reserve/non-football injury (NFI) list, meaning he will miss at least the first four games of the 2025 season. What’s more concerning for Texans fans is the noncommittal stance from the team’s leadership regarding his potential return this year, casting a shadow over the backfield’s outlook.
Mixon, a key offensive weapon for Houston, has been sidelined throughout training camp due to a nagging foot injury sustained earlier this offseason. This latest setback follows a 2024 season where he missed three games with an ankle injury, raising questions about his long-term durability.
Uncertainty Surrounds Mixon’s Return
While Mixon will be eligible to practice and play in Week 5 when the Texans face the Baltimore Ravens on October 5th, neither General Manager Nick Caserio nor Head Coach DeMeco Ryans offered a definitive timeline for his return. Their cautious approach suggests the team is bracing for a potentially extended absence.
“With all injured players, you kind of take it one day at a time,” Caserio stated during his Wednesday media availability. “Whatever the timeline is, we handle it accordingly. The players that are on PUP or NFI, they’re out four games or four weeks. So once we get through four weeks, we’ll evaluate at that time.”
When pressed specifically on whether he expects Mixon to play at all in 2025, Caserio remained guarded, simply saying, “We’ll see. He will be evaluated after the four-week period.” This response has amplified concerns among the Texans faithful, who were hoping for a more optimistic outlook for their star rusher.
A Proven Performer’s Impact
Mixon’s absence is a significant blow to the Texans’ offense. In his inaugural campaign with Houston, he proved to be an invaluable asset, rushing for over 1,000 yards for the fifth time in his eight-year career. Beyond his ground game prowess, Mixon also demonstrated his versatility by catching 36 passes for 309 yards and a touchdown, continuing his reliable receiving tenure in the NFL.
Coach Ryans echoed Caserio’s sentiment of taking things “one day at a time” but expressed confidence in Mixon’s ability to transition back once healthy. “Joe has played a lot of football,” Ryans noted. “Whenever that time comes for Joe to be back and get back in the fold, it won’t be anything revolutionary that he hasn’t seen before or he hasn’t done from the football perspective. Joe is an outstanding football player, so whenever that time comes, I feel like he’ll have a very easy transition back to football.”
Texans’ Backfield Depth Tested
The Texans made moves in the offseason to bolster their running back corps, but these additions come with their own set of uncertainties. Rookie Woody Marks, a fourth-round pick from USC, is an unproven commodity at the professional level. Furthermore, four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb, acquired by the Texans, is only half a season removed from a devastating knee injury, raising concerns about his immediate impact and long-term health.
The team’s reliance on these unproven or recovering players highlights the void left by Mixon’s injury. The Texans will need to lean heavily on their offensive line and passing game to compensate for the potential lack of a consistent ground threat in the early part of the season.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Texans’ running back situation remains a critical storyline. The team’s cautious approach to Joe Mixon’s foot injury, coupled with the question marks surrounding their backup options, will undoubtedly test their depth and strategic planning in the coming weeks. Fans will be eagerly awaiting further updates on Mixon’s recovery and the performance of Houston’s revamped backfield. For more detailed information on NFL player injuries and team news, you can visit official NFL injury reports.
