Joe Mixon, whom the Houston Texans acquired from the Cincinnati Bengals last offseason, emerged as a key contributor during his first year with the team.
However, he sustained an injury while away from the team this offseason and has been seen wearing a walking boot throughout much of the summer. The Texans have provided an update on the veteran running back’s status as training camp gets underway.
Texans Provide Clarity on Joe Mixon’s Health Ahead of Training Camp
The Texans officially opened training camp today and announced their Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, which detail the players who will be unavailable as camp begins.
Notably, veteran running back Joe Mixon was placed on the NFI list, confirming he will be sidelined to start camp and won’t be participating in early practice sessions.
The #Texans made a slew of roster moves, including placing RB Joe Mixon on the non-football injury list. pic.twitter.com/SZBP1U6uPU
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 23, 2025
While the exact details about Mixon’s situation remain unclear, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter explained that the running back has been wearing a walking boot for most of the offseason, and the team expects him to return soon.
Joe Mixon was in a boot throughout the spring, but he is expected to be OK fairly soon. https://t.co/Qe1yu7rV6x
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 23, 2025
According to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson, Mixon sustained some sort of injury during his individual offseason training early in the spring. However, he has increased his workouts this summer and is nearing readiness to participate in Texans practices.
The Texans will need Mixon healthy for their running game in the 2025-2026 season. He had an outstanding first year with the team last season, rushing for 1,016 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl selection.
Joe Mixon high-stepped his way to a second TD 😱 pic.twitter.com/lZWSKBnh28
— ESPN (@espn) November 19, 2024
While Mixon is crucial to the team’s success, the Texans bolstered the running back position this offseason by signing former Browns running back Nick Chubb and drafting former USC running back Woody Marks in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
While Mixon’s absence from camp isn’t ideal for the Texans, they are prepared to give reps to the other running backs as they wait for the veteran to return fully healthy.
Although Mixon had a strong 2024-2025 season, the Texans’ rushing offense ranked around the middle of the league in terms of rushing yards per game. Having Mixon healthy is essential to improving those numbers.
All signs point to Mixon being ready for kickoff in the Texans’ Week 1 matchup against the Rams, and they will need him to help secure a win in that game.
