The Houston Texans’ running back Joe Mixon is still sidelined with a foot and ankle injury that has kept him out of the offseason, training camp, and the first two weeks of the 2025 NFL season.
How Did Joe Mixon Get Injured and How Long Is He Out?
Originally expected to be a key piece of Houston’s offense alongside quarterback C.J. Stroud, Mixon was placed on the active/non-football injury list in July and then moved to the reserve/NFI list in late August, meaning he will miss at least the first four games.
Joe Mixon – Houston Texans
What is his exact injury?
How long will he be out for?
Who’s the guy to own in this backfield? pic.twitter.com/5CDyu6XdSo
— Jesse Morse, M.D. (@DrJesseMorse) August 26, 2025
Mixon injured his foot and ankle while working out away from the team facility during the offseason. What first seemed like a minor issue has become a “tough and complicated” rehab process, and there’s still no clear timeline for his return.
Houston is taking a careful approach to avoid setbacks, which has left the team leaning on other running backs to carry the load.
Without Mixon, the Texans have relied on a running back committee featuring Nick Chubb, Dameon Pierce, and rookie Woody Marks. Chubb has done a solid job through the first two games, producing 103 of Houston’s 198 total rushing yards and even scoring a touchdown on Monday Night Football.
But while the backups are holding their own, the offense as a whole has struggled, leaving the Texans at 0-2 to start the season.
Mixon’s absence has made it clear how important he is to Houston’s game plan. Last season, he was the team’s workhorse and a consistent playmaker, combining power and quickness to create opportunities on the ground.
Without him, the rushing attack has lacked the spark and rhythm needed to complement the passing game, putting more pressure on the offense overall.
Current Rotation Doing Okay, Houston Struggling With 0-2 Record
The Texans will stick to their present rotation for the time being. Mixon is anticipated to miss at least Weeks 3 and 4, and the success of his rehabilitation will determine when he returns. Setbacks could lengthen his time off the field because the team is taking it cautiously to avoid more injuries.
In short, Mixon’s foot and ankle injury has thrown a wrench into Houston’s offensive plans. While Chubb and the other backs keep the team moving, nothing replaces Mixon’s talent and experience.
The sooner he can return to full health, the better the Texans’ chances of getting their running game and offense back on track.
