In the NFL Playoffs Divisional Round, the Houston Texans lost to the New England Patriots. Houston has an extremely talented roster, but injuries have plagued the offense, which, on top of its already struggling offense, is creating a horrible situation for the Texans.
One injured player, Joe Mixon, was a major loss for the Texans before the season started, and his return in the future is up in the air.
What Did Texans HC DeMeco Ryans Reveal in His Update on Joe Mixon?
This was a sloppy game for both sides, but once again, the Texans are unable to take that next step in the playoffs and get to the Super Bowl.
With the 2025/26 season complete for the Texans, HC DeMeco Ryans addressed the media today and, when asked about Mixon’s injury status, said, “No clarity.”
‘No clarity,’ #Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on Joe Mixon health status @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 19, 2026
Although few words were said, it seems like that was all it needed to get the point across. Mixon being out for the entire year with his injury, and that foot injury having little explanation, it seems the HC may be a bit fed up with the situation. When Ryans was also asked about Mixon’s future with the Texans, he said, “I don’t have the answer right now.”
#Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on if he expects a future with Joe Mixon: ‘I don’t have the answer right now.’ @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 19, 2026
When considering Mixon’s contract, which runs through the 2026 season, the Texans could move on from the veteran RB, especially if this injury persists or the questions around it remain unanswered. Still, Mixon is a very good RB, and the Texans need someone to lead that room.
According to PFSN’s Offensive Impact Metric, this season, the Texans were ranked 23rd overall. With a second overall defensive ranking in PFSN’s Defensive Impact Metric, Houston should have looked like a Super Bowl favorite, but the run game was not good enough on offense.
Mixon may be the answer next season to improve that area of Houston’s game, but with the injury he is dealing with and the extensive injury history he already has, the Texans may be better off pivoting. Some of the top free-agent RBs available include Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker, and Travis Etienne. The Texans have some options this offseason, and with the HC’s lack of commitment to Mixon, a new direction at RB may be the best choice for Houston.
