Texans RB Joe Mixon started training camp on the Non-Football Injury list after missing offseason activities with what was believed to be an ankle injury, but his status for the start of the season wasn’t initially expected to be at risk. Those expectations have shifted.
Houston received a concerning update Saturday on Mixon’s injury, which is actually a foot issue. The veteran running back could be facing a longer absence than anticipated, potentially leaving the Texans without the leader of their backfield when the season begins in September.
Mixon rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games in his first season in Houston, adding 309 yards and a touchdown through the air.
Here are the latest details on Mixon’s injury and who could be next up for the Texans if he misses time.
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Joe Mixon injury update
Mixon is expected to miss an “extended period” with a “frustrating” foot injury, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who adds that the veteran’s status will be re-evaluated “closer to the season.”
#Texans RB Joe Mixon, who is on the non-football injury list, is expected to be out an extended period of time with a frustrating foot injury, sources say.
The Pro Bowler coming off a 1,000-yard season will be reevaluated closer to the season to determine his availability. pic.twitter.com/Rz4FVhrkBu
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 26, 2025
That’s bad news for the Texans, as there are no assurances Mixon will be ready for the start of the season. The 29-year-old battled ankle issues during his first season in Houston and missed time during OTAs in the spring, but he wasn’t believed to be dealing with anything serious.
Mixon has been in a walking boot and has been dealing with the injury for the last several months, Rapoport reported.
Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reports Mixon will miss “multiple weeks” of training camp but still hopes to return for Week 1.
The Texans are implementing a handful of new pieces into their offense this season, with a new offensive coordinator in Nick Caley, two Day 2 rookie wide receivers in Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel and an offensive line navigating the loss of Laremy Tunsil. Any missed time for Mixon could make the transition to Caley’s offense even more difficult.
Here’s a look at who could step up if Mixon misses time.
MORE: Could Texans trade John Metchie III?
Texans RB depth chart
| RB | Player |
| 1 | Joe Mixon |
| 2 | Nick Chubb |
| 3 | Dameon Pierce |
| 4 | Woody Marks |
| 5 | Dare Ogunbowale |
| 6 | J.J. Taylor |
| 7 | Jawhar Jordan |
The Texans have a bevy of running backs on their roster early in training camp, but they have a four-time Pro-Bowler slotted right behind Mixon in former Browns star Nick Chubb.
Houston signed Chubb to a one-year deal in June, after the 29-year-old struggled in his return from a complicated knee injury suffered in 2023. Chubb was signed to play a complementary role behind Mixon, but he could have a chance to show what’s left in the tank if Mixon misses any time. At the very least, Chubb seems poised to spend the bulk of training camp taking first-team reps.
Dameon Pierce has starting experience as well, having rushed for 939 yards on 4.3 yards per carry as a rookie in 2022, but he has seen his role shrink over the last two seasons. Pierce was effective in spurts in 2024, averaging seven yards per carry on 40 attempts.
The Texans added depth by selecting USC’s Woody Marks in the fourth round of April’s draft, and any missed time for Mixon could open the door for him to occasionally see the field. Dare Ogunbowale, meanwhile, has been with the Texans since 2022 and saw limited action last season but slid down the depth chart after the additions of Chubb and Marks.
J.J. Taylor and Jawhar Jordan are in Texans camp as depth but likely have a tough path to making the final roster, even if Mixon is forced to miss time.Â
