The Houston Texans began training camp with dour news, placing Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. However, the Texans made contingency plans with another Pro Bowler, Nick Chubb.
Chubb hit free agency after seven seasons with the Cleveland Browns, who selected him with the No. 35 overall pick of the 2018 draft.
Healthy after battling injuries the last two seasons, Chubb filled in for Mixon on Day 1.
Chubb rushed for 332 yards and 3 touchdowns on 102 carries in 2024. A devastating knee injury in 2022 snapped his streak of seasons with at least 1,000 yards at four. He rushed for 996 yards as a rookie.
The Texans need the best version of Chubb, though, which ideally means using him in tandem with Mixon.
Mixon’s injury creates a bit of a dilemma for the Texans.
Joe Mixon’s Injury Looms Large for Texans
GettyJoe Mixon #28 of the Houston Texans takes the field before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson was first to report that Mixon had been spotted wearing a walking boot during the Texans’ offseason program.
“My understanding is it’s nothing serious with Joe. It may cause him to miss a little bit of time in the spring, but it’s nothing alarming. I think he’ll be ready for training camp, maybe ready sooner than that. But right now, yeah, I don’t think he’ll be doing any practices. And so, it’s something, but it’s not anything real big,” Wilson reported in May.
“That happens sometimes. Don’t know the nature, exact nature of whatever he’s dealing with. Was told authoritatively, he’s been in a walking boot, which is sometimes just for protective reasons. So, yeah, I don’t think there’s anything real alarming on Joe Mixon. But we’ll see.”
The timing of the injury and Mixon’s absence is key.
Mixon is starting a two-year, $19.7 million contract, but the deal has no guaranteed money in 2026, potentially making 2025 critical for the former Cincinnati Bengals star.
The Texans acquired Mixon in a trade with the Bengals during the 2024 offseason. He turned 29 on July 24, but has been mostly durable and consistent in his career. Mixon has logged at least 13 starts in six of his eight seasons and 1,000-plus yards in five campaigns, including 2024.
Texans’ Boast Deep Backfield
GettyDameon Pierce #31 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball after a kickoff return against the Indianapolis Colts.
Fortunately for the Texans, Chubb is not their only option while Mixon is on the mend. They also have 2022 fourth-round pick Dameon Pierce and drafted Woody Marks out of USC in the fourth round of the 2025 draft.
Veteran J.J. Taylor is also on the PUP list with Mixon, but the Texans still have third-down back Dare Ogunbowale on hand.
Pierce’s style is the closest to what Mixon (and Chubb) provide.
Still, while looking to be better around C.J. Stroud in Year 3, the Texans would do well to lean on their Pro Bowler-laden backfield. That only works if they can get – and keep – both veterans healthy.
Until Mixon returns, the Texans might be even more hesitant to move popular speculative trade candidate Pierce in a trade.
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