The Houston Texans have left the door open all season, providing little clarity about what exactly is ailing running back Joe Mixon. A key trade acquisition during the 2024 offseason, Mixon has missed the entire 2025 campaign.
He has remained engaged with the team off the field, but that is no substitute for playing.
That trend will all but officially continue through the postseason, according to a new report regarding the two-time Pro Bowler.
Texans Get Unfortunate Confirmation on Joe Mixon
GettyJoe Mixon #28 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“Joe Mixon is not returning this season for #Texans per league sources,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on December 29.
That assertion, while unfortunate for the Texans, is also not exactly surprising.
“The Texans’ backfield isn’t expecting a return from Pro Bowl runner Joe Mixon,” Wilson wrote in November, adding that the veteran “remains on the non-football injury list with a ‘tough and complicated’ foot and ankle injury, per sources, that may sideline him for the entire season.”
Mixon pushed back on a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that such a decision had already been made. This latest update is just further confirmation of an expected outcome.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio explained the nebulous nature of the situation.
“We’ve been asked about this multiple times. And it’s not – I’m trying to be evasive. It’s just a very gray situation, and Joe’s worked at it. And there are times when he’s made progress, and other times when the progress just kind of stalled there a little bit,” Caserio told “Payne & Pendergast” on November 18.
“Players in his status, the situation, are on the reserve list until they’re not. So, Joe’s doing everything he can. Obviously, we’re getting pretty late in the game here. So, I don’t want to establish any sort of expectations.”
Still, Mixon’s absence and how the Texans have adapted without him has also fueled commentary about the two-time Pro Bowler’s future with the organization.
Texans’ Plan Could Spell End for Joe Mixon
GettyJoe Mixon #28 of the Houston Texans runs the ball against the Detroit Lions.
With Mixon out, the Texans turned to four-time Pro Bowler and 2025 free agency signing Nick Chubb, along with rookie fourth-round pick Wood Marks, the No. 116 overall selection of the 2025 draft.
Their ground game has not been a strength, with the Texans ranking 24th in rushing yards entering “Monday Night Football” in Week 17.
Even during their eight-game win streak, the Texans have averaged 3.7 yards per carry.
Mixon’s dual-threat skill set has been sorely missed. But he also has a $10.5 million cap hit next season. His injury history and the Texans’ ability to piece-meal their run game could make that number untenable.
The Texans have significant decisions to make regarding C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr., in addition to whatever other roster changes they want to make.
Mixon tallied 1,325 yards and 12 total touchdowns for the Texans in 2024.
Heading into “Monday Night Football” in Week 17, 18 players have more than that, with at least one more game to play (two, including “MNF”), per Stathead. Of that group, 14 are running backs, and six of those players are on their rookie contracts.
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