Texans Provide Massive News On Running Back Joe Mixon

The Joe Mixon injury has gone from frustrating mystery to full season shutdown for the Houston Texans. 

After opening camp on the non football injury list with a lingering foot issue, Mixon never returned to practice and is now “not expected to play this season,” per multiple reports. General manager Nick Caserio has repeatedly described the situation as gray with little clarity, noting that Mixon has had stretches of progress followed by stalls. 

The result is a lost year for a 29 year old back who rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024 and looked like a core piece of Houston’s offense.

Sources: #Texans RB Joe Mixon is not expected to play this season as he deals with a foot injury from the offseason.

Mixon likely remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list through the season. Meanwhile, Houston moves forward with Nick Chubb and Woody Marks. pic.twitter.com/gr7E4QSIEO

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 20, 2025

Murky Joe Mixon Injury Timeline

Mixon’s absence has stretched from OTAs through Week 12 with almost no concrete updates. He missed spring work with what was first believed to be an ankle issue before landing on the NFI list in July for a foot injury suffered away from the team. 

Each check in from Caserio brought only cautious language about reevaluations and no real timetable, and head coach DeMeco Ryans admitted in late October that he had no update at all. 

Now, with NFL Network reporting that Mixon will likely remain on reserve for the rest of 2025, the focus quietly shifts to whether this foot problem threatens his future beyond this season despite two years left on his three year, $25.5 million deal.

Joe Mixon in my IR slot this entire season for no reason at all: pic.twitter.com/WhmQlDqidh

— Sleeper (@SleeperHQ) November 20, 2025

Texans Turn to Nick Chubb and Woody Marks

On the field, the Texans have patched things together with veteran Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks. Chubb leads the team in rushing yardage while Marks has edged ahead in snaps and total scrimmage yards, giving Houston a two back committee that has kept the run game afloat but not explosive. 

The Texans sit at 5-5 and 23rd in the league in rushing yards, and a healthy Mixon would have been a major asset against opponents like the Buffalo Bills, who have struggled to stop the run.

Photo Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images