Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon is looking to make a strong comeback in the 2026 NFL season after missing all of 2025 due to a reported “freak” injury. The team has had to make the boat float with a committee backfield, but it’ll be banking on the experienced rusher’s health for next season.
How does Mixon feel about the upcoming campaign?
Texans RB Joe Mixon Is Fired Up About 2026 NFL Season
There’s a lot of mystery surrounding Mixon’s season-long absence. This season saw a tug-of-war between his chances of returning to action and his stay on the sidelines. In November, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said the running back is expected to miss the entire season. However, the player refuted these claims, alluding to a possible return this campaign.
December 29, nonetheless, saw the final nail in the coffin of Mixon’s season, when Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reported that the Texans star will indeed miss the whole year.
With Houston having been booted from the playoffs in the Divisional Round by the New England Patriots, eyes in the city now turn to the offseason and beyond. As such, Mixon posted about his excitement for the 2026 season.
“All 26’ Vengeance,” he posted the strong message on Instagram, hyped up for a solid campaign.
However, Texans general manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans remain cautious in their optimism, saying it’s still unclear whether the veteran back will return to the field in time for next season.
For 2025, the Texans were forced to largely make due with Woody Marks, Jawhar Jordan, and a Nick Chubb who’s been a shell of his former self in recent years.
Marks capitalized on favorable roster situations at the start of the season. Mixon’s injury opened the floor for a backup running back to swoop in for the bulk of the carries. While Chubb’s experience made him a logical first choice, rookie Marks found himself in better shape performance-wise.
They ended up sharing the backfield with more than just Jordan, as Ryans also made use of Dameon Pierce, British Brooks, and Dare Ogunbowale.
The young Marks, nonetheless, shone in a deep backfield, proving his value in both the running and passing games. He finished the 2025 campaign with 196 carries for 703 yards and two touchdowns. He also recorded 24 receptions for 208 yards and three scores, amounting to a 51 rating in PFSN’s RB Impact.
How his impressive rookie season influences the top brass’s decisions surrounding the backfield for next season remains to be seen. The fourth-round draft pick might very well have played his way into a share of Mixon’s full-time workload.
