Joe Mixon Injury Update: Will Houston Texans RB Return in 2025?

The Houston Texans are facing uncertainty as their star running back, Joe Mixon, remains sidelined with a persistent ankle injury ahead of the 2025 NFL season. General Manager Nick Caserio recently provided a cautious update on Mixon’s condition, leaving fans and analysts speculating about his potential return. The injury, which has kept Mixon out of training camp, minicamp, and preseason activities, has placed him on the reserve/non-football injury (NFI) list, mandating that he miss at least the first four games of the season. This development raises significant questions about the Texans’ backfield strategy as they prepare for their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on September 7, 2025.

Caserio’s Noncommittal Stance on Mixon’s Return

During a press conference addressing the Texans’ roster ahead of Week 1, General Manager Nick Caserio remained guarded about Joe Mixon’s recovery timeline. “We’ll see. We’ll take it one day at a time,” Caserio said, as reported by USA Today. He added, “We’ll evaluate those players after four weeks and see where they are in their progression and then decide.” This noncommittal response has fueled concerns about whether Mixon will return this season, with some analysts suggesting his absence could extend beyond the initial four-game requirement. The lack of clarity surrounding Mixon’s injury has left the Texans’ fanbase anxious about the team’s offensive prospects.

Mixon’s injury occurred during offseason workouts, away from team facilities, which classifies it as a non-football injury. This designation has placed him on the reserve/NFI list, meaning he will be ineligible to play until at least Week 5, when the Texans face the Baltimore Ravens. Some projections point to a potential return in Week 7 for a Monday Night Football matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, but Caserio’s comments suggest that no definitive timeline has been established.

Mixon’s Impact on the Texans’ 2024 Season

Joe Mixon was a cornerstone of the Texans’ offense in his debut season with the team in 2024, following a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals. Over 14 regular-season games, he amassed 1,325 scrimmage yards, including 1,016 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 245 carries. His receiving contributions included 36 catches for 309 yards and one touchdown, showcasing his versatility as a dual-threat running back. Mixon’s performance earned him a Pro Bowl nod, his second career selection, and he led the team in both regular-season and postseason touchdowns.

In the playoffs, Mixon proved his value, particularly in the wild-card game against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he carried the ball 25 times for 106 yards and a touchdown, helping secure a victory. Across two postseason games, he racked up 194 rushing yards, averaging 97 yards per game, and added 219 scrimmage yards. His ability to deliver in high-stakes moments made him a critical component of the Texans’ offensive strategy, making his current absence a significant blow.

Texans’ Backfield Options Without Mixon

With Mixon sidelined for at least the first four games, the Texans are turning to a combination of veteran and rookie running backs to fill the void. Nick Chubb, a four-time Pro Bowler signed in free agency, is expected to take on the lead role. However, Chubb is coming off a broken foot suffered in Week 15 of the 2024 season and has faced questions about his recovery and explosiveness. Despite these concerns, his experience and proven track record make him a likely candidate to start in the season opener against the Rams.

Rookie Woody Marks, a fourth-round pick from USC, is another option for the Texans. Marks, known for his versatility and ability to contribute as both a rusher and receiver, could see significant playing time early in the season. His multi-faceted skill set makes him a strong candidate to find the end zone frequently, especially in a Texans offense that relies on dynamic playmakers. Additionally, Dameon Pierce, who was second on the team in rushing yards in 2024, and Dare Ogunbowale, a reliable depth option who appeared in all 17 games last season, will likely share carries to support the backfield.

Challenges for the Texans’ Offense

Mixon’s absence poses a significant challenge for the Texans, particularly as they aim to build on their 2024 playoff success. The team’s offense, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, relied heavily on Mixon’s ability to control the ground game and provide a safety valve in the passing game. Without him, the Texans will need to adjust their game plan, potentially leaning more on Stroud’s passing ability and the contributions of their running back committee. The early-season schedule, which includes tough matchups against the Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans, will test the depth of the Texans’ backfield.

The Texans’ offensive line, already considered one of the weaker units in the NFL, adds another layer of complexity. Mixon’s ability to navigate through contact and create yards after contact was a key asset in 2024, and his replacements may struggle to replicate that production behind a less-than-stellar line. New offensive coordinator Nick Caley, who previously worked with the Los Angeles Rams, will need to devise creative schemes to maximize the contributions of Chubb, Marks, Pierce, and Ogunbowale.

Fantasy Football Implications

For fantasy football managers, Mixon’s injury presents a significant dilemma. In 2024, he was a top-tier RB2, averaging 17.2 fantasy points per game and finishing as the RB2 overall in points per game from Weeks 1-15 before injuries impacted his performance. His placement on the NFI list has caused his average draft position (ADP) to plummet, with some experts recommending him as a late-round flier due to the uncertainty surrounding his return. However, if Mixon can return to full health by midseason, he has the potential to be a league-winning asset for fantasy owners willing to take the risk.

In Mixon’s absence, Nick Chubb and Woody Marks are likely to see increased fantasy value. Chubb, despite his injury history, remains a high-upside option given his pedigree, while Marks could emerge as a sleeper pick in deeper leagues due to his versatility. Fantasy managers should monitor the Texans’ backfield closely over the first few weeks, as the distribution of carries and targets will provide clarity on who emerges as the primary option.

What Lies Ahead for Mixon and the Texans

The uncertainty surrounding Joe Mixon’s injury has cast a shadow over the Texans’ preparations for the 2025 season. While the team has depth in its running back room, replacing Mixon’s production will be a tall order. The Texans’ coaching staff, led by DeMeco Ryans, remains optimistic about Mixon’s eventual return, with Ryans noting that Mixon’s experience will allow him to reintegrate quickly once cleared. “Joe has played a lot of football,” Ryans said. “Whenever that time comes for Joe to be back, it won’t be anything revolutionary that he hasn’t seen before.”

For now, the Texans are focused on navigating the early season without their star running back. The combination of Chubb, Marks, Pierce, and Ogunbowale provides a solid foundation, but the team’s success will hinge on how well these players can perform in Mixon’s absence. As the season progresses, updates on Mixon’s recovery will be critical for both the Texans’ playoff aspirations and fantasy football enthusiasts tracking his status.