Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
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Joe Mixon #28 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
The biggest question mark out of Houston Texans training camp remains unanswered just one day before NFL teams are required to finalize their 53-man rosters: What is going on with star running back Joe Mixon?
Mixon was placed on the non-football injury list back on July 23 with an apparent ankle injury and has remained out of sight at most Texans’ practices and preseason games. There have been no real updates on his status and with rosters due tomorrow, Houston has to name him to the 53-man roster or he will miss the first four weeks of the season regardless of his injury status.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter spoke about the Mixon situation on ESPN’s Get Up on Monday.
“Joe Mixon, there have been no updates, no conversation about the man who’s supposed to be starting for the Houston Texans… The silence from Houston is deafening regarding Joe Mixon’s injury. There’s been zero update. There are lots of questions about when—or if—he’ll be back. We’ll continue to await an update. They’re required to provide one by tomorrow.”
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans hasn’t updated the public on Mixon’s status either.
Mixon was the Texans lead back last season in his first season with the franchise. The 29-year-old had 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground in 14 games in 2024.
Huge Loss to Texans Offense if Mixon Remains Out
The Houston offense was dynamic when fully healthy last season, with C.J. Stroud slinging the rock to Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs with a solid safety blanket in the checkdown game with Mixon in the backfield.
Mixon is one of a few running backs in the NFL that is truly a dual threat, excelling in the running and receiving game, while holding big play potential in the palm of his hand. If Mixon does miss time, one of the key dynamics in what was a relatively successful offense in 2024 will be sorely missed.
That’s not to mention the Texans also lost Dell for the year with an injury and lost Diggs to the New England Patriots in the offseason. Stroud will have to become more reliant on Collins and tight end Dalton Schultz in the passing game while the running game will lose the explosive potential it had with Mixon.
Who Will Line Up in the Backfield if Mixon is Out For An Extended Period?
Longtime Cleveland Browns standout Nick Chubb will be the No. 1 option for Houston at running back if Mixon does miss time. Chubb was a perennial Pro-Bowler for Cleveland for much of his career before injuries sidelined him for the better part of the last two seasons. Now approaching 30-years-old and with an injury history that has signaled the end for many football players throughout history, Chubb’s durability and effectiveness are a huge question mark. There’s obvious upside with Chubb if he remains healthy, but he hasn’t played a full NFL season since 2022.
Rounding out the Texans depth chart at running back are Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale.