Eleven weeks into the NFL season, one of the Houston Texans’ key offensive weapons remains a ghost. Running back Joe Mixon has not played a snap since a summer foot injury, and the latest update from general manager Nick Caserio only deepens the mystery.
This situation leaves fans and the team wondering if a return is even possible during the 2025-26 campaign.
What Does Nick Caserio’s Cryptic Update Mean for Joe Mixon’s Return?
More than halfway through the season, there is still no clarity on Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon, who has been sidelined since suffering a foot injury during training camp. General manager Nick Caserio and the team have been repeatedly asked about Mixon’s status, but clear answers have been difficult to obtain.
During a recent interview with SportsRadio 610, Caserio’s comments did little to clear up the confusion surrounding the running back’s timeline.
“I know we’ve been asked about this multiple times, and it’s not I’m trying to be evasive. It’s just a very gray situation,” Caserio said. “Joe’s worked at it. There were times where he’s made progress and other times when the progress is kinda stalled there a little bit.”
Nick Caserio on Joe Mixon on @SethCPayne & @SeanTPendergast on @SportsRadio610:
“It’s a very gray situation. Joe’s worked at it. There were times where he’s made progress and other times when the progress is kinda stalled. Obviously we’re getting pretty late in the game here, I… https://t.co/U67BnbM4aR pic.twitter.com/KhquNgii3m
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) November 18, 2025
Caserio emphasized that Mixon is working hard to return to the field but acknowledged that time is running out. The team is avoiding setting any expectations given the lack of a clear recovery path.
“Joe’s doing everything he can. Obviously, we’re getting pretty late in the game here, I don’t want to establish any sort of expectations… I don’t think we have anymore clarity at this point. He’s out until he’s not.”
This ambiguity is frustrating for a team that could greatly benefit from his talent. During the 2024-25 season, his first year with the Texans, Mixon was a force on offense, rushing for 1,325 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns. That performance was a key factor in strengthening the team’s offensive attack.
While the Texans’ current campaign has been successful, the offense has struggled at times. The unit currently ranks No. 25 in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric and could undoubtedly benefit from Mixon’s presence. However, as the weeks pass, the likelihood of his return to support the offense appears to diminish.
The 29-year-old player has remained on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list since the season began. With each cryptic update, fans are left to do little more than scratch their heads and wonder if they will see the star running back on the field again this year.