The Houston Texans are closing in on a playoff spot, but their star running back remains a ghost. As Week 17 arrives with them travelling to California to face the Los Angeles Chargers, Joe Mixon’s status remains exactly where it has been all year: unchanged. The Pro Bowl ball carrier has spent the entire 2025 season on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list after hurting his foot away from the team in the offseason.
Joe Mixon Injury Update
The Texans haven’t opened a practice window or started the activation process. League reports on Nov. 20 indicated Mixon is not expected to play in 2025. While Mixon publicly pushed back on that report, he didn’t elaborate further. Meanwhile, team leadership repeatedly describes the situation as “gray,” citing a frustrating cycle of progress followed by stalls.
Houston has adjusted by using rookie Woody Marks and veteran Nick Chubb in the backfield. Dare Ogunbowale provides support alongside practice-squad call-ups. Any change for Mixon would require formal roster moves and documented participation in practices. Through Week 17, none of that has occurred.
This saga began when Mixon missed OTAs and minicamp in May. The team initially believed it was an ankle issue, but they placed him on the NFI list at the start of training camp for a foot injury. Houston kept him on the list into the regular season and did not activate him when he became eligible in early October.
General Manager Nick Caserio admits expectations remain unclear. Head Coach DeMeco Ryans offered no update when asked in late October. NFL Network reported on Nov. 20 that Mixon is “not expected” to play this season. Mixon quoted the report to dispute it, but hasn’t provided further details.
Entering the matchup with Las Vegas, there is no practice designation, return-to-play window, or transaction indicating a ramp toward activation.
How Does This Impact the Texans’ Playoff Push?
The Texans’ backfield has moved on without him. Marks took a larger role as the year progressed, while Chubb contributed when available. The team’s recent surge toward a third straight AFC South title relies on defense and offensive efficiency rather than a revived run game anchored by Mixon.
A postseason appearance would require Houston to initiate a formal return process. They must move Mixon off the NFI list, open his practice window, and clear him medically. Caserio’s earlier checkpoints, which were “three or four weeks,” didn’t yield results. Given the calendar and conditioning requirements, available reporting points to an unlikely playoff return unless the Texans reverse course immediately.
For now, the depth chart features Marks and Ogunbowale, with Jawhar Jordan also involved amid injuries. The team continues to monitor Chubb on a week-to-week basis. The realistic outlook remains consistent with the lack of movement: Mixon is not expected to play in 2025 without a sudden, visible change in status.
Houston Texans’ Stats and Insights for Week 17
Team: The Houston Texans clinch a playoff spot with a win or an Indianapolis Colts loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. According to the PFSN Playoff Predictor, the Texans enter with a 24.0% chance to win the AFC South. A win bumps it to 39.2% and a loss decreases the chances to 7.2%
QB: C.J. Stroud was sacked 15 times in his first six games and eight times in his last six.
Offense: Houston is tied for 24th in the league with 33 touchdowns this season.
Defense: During their seven-game winning streak, the Texans have had a +9 turnover differential since Week 10. The Texans have 12 takeaways over the last seven games.
Fantasy: With Woody Marks out, Jawhar Jordan led the Texans’ backfield with a 46% snap share and 20 touches. Nick Chubb had just seven. If Marks is out again, Jordan is the guy you want.
