The Houston Texans are in an interesting spot with two-time Pro Bowler and starting running back Joe Mixon. The Texans acquired from the Cincinnati Bengals in a trade in March 2024.
Mixon rushed for over 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns during the 2024 regular season. He figures to be a big part of the Texans’ success in 2025, whatever that may look like. He is also coming off his second Pro Bowl trip.
However, after head coach DeMeco Ryans’ non-update, the Texans made an announcement.
“Tomorrow at 3 PM CST, we will officially move RB Joe Mixon from the Active/Non-Football Injury list to the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list,” the Texans announced on X on August 25. “Players placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list may begin to practice and play after the club’s fourth game of the regular season. We will provide further updates at an appropriate time.”
Mixon was spotted wearing a walking boot in the spring, leaving him sidelined during the Texans’ offseason program. That sparked speculation about Mixon’s status for the regular season amid a lack of updates from Ryans and the Texans.
Texans RB Joe Mixon on Ominous Path
GettyJoe Mixon #28 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Texans’ decision to place Mixon on the Active/NFI list also made waves and set the veteran on an ominous path before the regular season. Mixon started 14 games in 2024 and has a noteworthy injury history.
“He was placed on the active/NFI list at the start of training camp after not participating in offseason team activities,” the Houston Chronicle’s Sam Warren wrote on August 25. “He has missed every training camp practice and preseason game since. Mixon has been with the team receiving treatment for the injury, but has yet to be seen at any of the team’s practices or games.”
Ryans’ lack of an update drew attention in league circles, including a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who later reported on the Texans moving Mixon to the Reserve/NFI list.
The Texans will open the 2025 regular season against the Los Angeles Rams.
Mixon is supposed to be a major key to the Texans’ quest for the first AFC South three-peat in the franchise’s history. The Texans can still reach their goals without Mixon, so long as C.J. Stroud remains upright, but he would make their situation easier with his production.
Joe Mixon Injury History Looms Large in Contract Year
GettyJoe Mixon #28 of the Houston Texans takes the field before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Warren noted the Texans will lean on four-time Pro Bowler and former Cleveland Browns star Nick Chubb and a combination of rookie fourth-round pick Woody Marks, 2022 fourth-round pick Dameon Pierce, and veteran third-down back Dare Ogunbowale with Mixon sidelined.
However, this is a critical season for Mixon.
His two-year, $19.7 million contract (three years, $25.5 million total) has no guaranteed money in 2026. Mixon has earned $48.4 million in his career.
The Texans could move on, saving $8.5 million with $2 million in deal money next summer, per Over The Cap. That would likely require a career revitalization for Chubb, but also one of (most likely) Marks and Pierce showing they belong as the bellcow.
Pierce’s role has declined since his rookie season.
That could leave the Texans relying on Marks. His pre-draft profile from NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein noted a lack of breakaway speed and between-the-tackles punch.
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