An early season hurdle has emerged for the Houston Texans, veteran running back Joe Mixon will be placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury (NFI) list and will miss at least the first four games of the season.
Mixon has been dealing with an undisclosed foot injury since the spring and missed all of training camp and the preseason. He was expected to build on a year in which he rushed for 1,016 yards on 245 carries and was selected to his second Pro Bowl. He also added 309 receiving yards and a touchdown on 36 receptions.
Mixon’s injury provides an unexpected opportunity for players like Nick Chubb, Dameon Pierce, and fourth-round rookie Woody Marks. With Mixon sidelined, these backs suddenly find themselves in line for significant roles.
Current Texans’ backfield with no Joe Mixon to start the year:
🏈Nick Chubb
🏈Dameon Pierce
🏈Dare Ogunbowale
🏈Woody Marks
🏈British Brooks
🏈Jawhar Jordan https://t.co/DzFqk5Eg41— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 25, 2025
What is Joe Mixon’s injury?
The Texans have officially designated Mixon’s injury as a problem with his foot and ankle.
The injury was sustained during the offseason while Mixon was away from the team, and there has been no further clarification on its nature or severity from head coach DeMeco Ryans or the organization.
Mixon didn’t practice with the team during OTAs and minicamp.
How long is Joe Mixon out for?
In late July, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport said Mixon was expected to be out an extended period of time with a “frustrating foot injury.” The team’s decision to move him to the NFI list indicates that they believe he will require more than a few weeks to recover, and he will now be ineligible to play or practice until after Week 4.
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On ESPN’s “Get Up,” insider Adam Schefter has pointed out that “the silence from Houston is deafening,” raising questions about when – or even if – Mixon will be able to suit up for Houston this season.
Texans RB depth chart
The Texans’ backfield faces a lot of questions with Mixon sidelined. Nick Chubb is projected to be the starting running back. He was limited to only eight games last season after breaking his foot in Week 15.
| RB | Player |
| 1 | Joe Mixon |
| 2 | Nick Chubb |
| 3 | Dameon Pierce |
| 4 | Dare Ogunbowale |
| 6 | Woody Marks |
| 6 | British Brooks |
| 7 | Jawhar Jordan |
2. Nick Chubb
Before his devastating 2023 knee injury, Chubb was widely regarded as one of the most elite running backs in the NFL, consistently ranking among the league’s leaders in rushing yards and missed tackles. Chubb surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in four consecutive seasons from 2019 to 2022 and is a four-time Pro Bowl selection.
He suffered a torn MCL and ACL, and meniscus in his left knee early in the 2023 season that cast doubt on his future. Now, as the projected starter in Houston, the big question is whether he can fully regain the All-Pro form that defined his career and become a dependable back in Mixon’s absence.
3. Dameon Pierce
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Pierce is looking to rediscover his rookie-season form, after rushing for a team-high 939 yards in 2022, his role diminished in his second and third seasons in the league in 2023 and 2024. He was limited to just 40 carries in 11 games last year, with a late-season breakout performance against the Titans accounting for the bulk of his production.
4. Dare Ogunbowale
Ogunbowale has primarily served in a third-down and special teams role throughout his career. His career-best year came in 2024, when he had 30 carries for 112 yards.
5. Woody Marks
Marks, a rookie fourth-round pick out of USC, finished his final collegiate season with over 1,100 rushing yards and 47 receptions. He is a dual-threat back who has the potential to work his way up the depth chart.
6. British Brooks
After recovering from a significant knee injury in college, the former North Carolina walk-on signed with the Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2024. He tallied eight carries for 24 yards and a touchdown during the preseason.
7. Jawhar Jordan
Jordan, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, spent last season on the Texans’ practice squad. In his final season at Louisville, Jordan became a breakout star, rushing for 1,128 yards and 13 touchdowns on his way to earning All-ACC honors.
Joe Mixon injury history
Mixon has dealt with a few minor setbacks, including concussions and ankle issues. He was able to play through most of his career without any significant long-term injuries. His one major absence came in 2020, when a foot sprain limited him to just six games.
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Houston Texans 2025 Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| 1 | Sunday, Sept. 7 | at Rams | 4:25 p.m. | CBS |
| 2 | Monday, Sept. 15 | vs. Buccaneers | 7 p.m. | ESPN/ABC |
| 3 | Sunday, Sept. 21 | at Jaguars | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| 4 | Sunday, Sept. 28 | vs. Titans | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| 5 | Sunday, Oct. 5 | at Ravens | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| 6 | BYE | — | — | — |
| 7 | Monday, Oct. 20 | at Seahawks | 10 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| 8 | Sunday, Oct. 26 | vs. 49ers | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 9 | Sunday, Nov. 2 | vs. Broncos | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 10 | Sunday, Nov. 9 | vs. Jaguars | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| 11 | Sunday, Nov. 16 | at Titans | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 12 | Thursday, Nov. 20 | vs. Bills | 8:15 p.m. | Prime Video |
| 13 | Sunday, Nov. 30 | at Colts | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| 14 | Sunday, Dec. 7 | at Chiefs | 8:20 p.m. | NBC |
| 15 | Sunday, Dec. 14 | vs. Cardinals | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 16 | Sunday, Dec. 21 | vs. Raiders | 4:25 p.m. | CBS |
| 17 | TBD | at Chargers | TBD | TBD |
| 18 | TBD | vs. Colts | TBD | TBD |
Mixon will miss the Texans season opener against the Los Angeles Rams and a primetime matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. He also will be out for two AFC South divisional matchups, against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3 and Tennessee Titans in Week 4. He could also miss the Week 5 matchup against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
