Joe Mixon Faces Season-Ending Injury
Joe Mixon’s return seems increasingly unlikely.
The veteran running back for the Texans is projected to be out for the rest of the season due to a foot injury he sustained earlier. NFL Network has reported the situation.
As Houston (5-5) approaches Thursday’s match at home against the Bills, they find themselves just one game behind the Jaguars for the final playoff spot in the AFC.
Mixon’s inability to play again this year isn’t really a surprise, especially given the lengthy nature of his absence following an unexpected setback during training camp.
Back in late July, it was noted that the two-time Pro Bowler would require additional time off due to this foot injury and would start training camp on the non-football injury list.
At that point, NFL Network mentioned that Mixon would be reevaluated as the season approached.
Mixon ultimately missed all offseason and training camp activities, per ESPN.
At 29 years old, he was placed on the reserve/non-football injured list as the season commenced. General manager Nick Caserio remarked in August that the team was taking things day by day.
Caserio later shared an update in October, suggesting Mixon was making some progress and remained hopeful. He stated there would be a clearer picture in the coming weeks.
Now, as mid-November rolls around, there’s a hint of optimism—but it’s still a bit cloudy.
Caserio declined to offer a status update recently when queried on Sports Radio 610.
He noted, “We’re not avoiding the subject; it’s just really an unclear situation.” He detailed that while Mixon had shown both progress and setbacks, his status remains ambiguous. “A player of his caliber will stay on the reserve list until the situation changes. Joe is doing his best, but I don’t want to create expectations given the current pace of things. We thought we’d have more clarity sooner—now, I’m not sure.”
It’s frustrating, really. It’s not anyone’s fault, just how things are.
Regarding Mixon’s history, he signed a three-year, $27 million extension with the Texans after joining from the Bengals as a seventh-round pick prior to the 2024 season. Last season, he managed to rush for 1,016 yards and hit the end zone 11 times, contributing to Houston’s playoff run.
Now, with Wody Marks stepping up, the Texans might have to reassess Mixon’s contract in the offseason. The prospect of releasing him wouldn’t heavily impact their finances, costing only $2 million in dead cap space.
Meanwhile, Nick Chubb has stepped in admirably, racking up 419 rushing yards during Mixon’s absence, while Marks added 348. However, the Texans sit at a lowly 23rd in the league for rushing yards per game, averaging just 107.6.
