The Houston Texans have been without running back Joe Mixon all season. He suffered an injury in the offseason, and no one seems to know what happened. We have not heard from Mixon all season, and the team is playing coy about a potential return. As the regular season winds down, the chances are good that we do not see Mixon at all this year.
Joe Mixon Injury Update
Everyone has been waiting for an update about Mixon, and Texans GM Nick Caserio recently spoke about the situation. “It’s a very gray situation,” Caserio said in a press conference. “Joe’s worked at it. There were times when he made progress and other times when it kinda stalled,” Caserio continued. “Obviously, we’re getting pretty late in the game here. I don’t want to establish any expectations.”
On Thursday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport confirmed that Mixon will miss the rest of the season. “Joe Mixon is not expected to play this season as he deals with a foot injury from the offseason,” he wrote on X. “Mixon likely remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list through the season. Meanwhile, Houston moves forward with Nick Chubb and Woody Marks.”
The #Texans have been preparing for this, having signed veteran Nick Chubb in June, and he’s averaging more than 4 yards per carry. Plus, they drafted Woody Marks in the fourth round, trading up to do so. https://t.co/ajX62j3vEG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 20, 2025
The Texans have seemingly found their future RB1 while Mixon has been out. Rookie Woody Marks was selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft and has taken over the lead role and performed well. He has rushed 99 times for 348 yards and two touchdowns this season. Also, he has caught 16 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns.
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According to Spotrac, there is a potential out in Mixon’s contract after this season. This will likely be his final season in Houston, as his injury issues are no longer worth the hassle. This entire situation has been unusual, and we will likely not have a resolution until the end of the season.
Texans Holding Onto Playoff Hopes
The Texans had a brutal start to the season, losing their first three games. But, have since found a groove and sit at 5-5 through 11 weeks. The AFC South title seems unlikely, but they could make a push for a Wild Card spot.
We will learn a lot about the Texans over their next three games. They face the Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, and Kansas City Chiefs. Those three games will make or break the Texans’ season, and unfortunately, they will be without quarterback C.J. Stroud for the first one.
With Houston playing on Thursday Night, Stroud will be unable to play as he is still recovering from a concussion. Houston’s defense has been its best unit this season, ranking among the league’s best.
According to PFSN, the Texans have an 89.7 Defense Impact Score, which ranks second in the NFL. The Texans’ success over the remainder of the season will rest on their defense.
Houston Texans’ Insights for Week 12
Team: Houston has won two straight one-possession games. All five of the Texans’ losses have been by eight points or fewer.
QB: The Texans have won two straight games with Davis Mills as the starter. It’s only the second time Houston has won back-to-back games with Mills starting. Mills started 26 games in 2021 and 2022.
Offense:Â Houston has scored 26 points or more in three of five home games. The Texans have scored 19 points or fewer in four of five road games.
Defense:Â The Texans have allowed 16.3 points per game and 258.1 total offense yards per game. The Bills have averaged 29.2 points per game and 387.4 total yards of offense per game this season.
Fantasy: Nico Collins has seen at least 25% of the targets funneled his way in three straight games and has multiple deep looks in four straight. It’s been a slow burn, but he’s trending up at the right time.
