The Houston Texans’ primary running back has remained absent throughout the entire season due to an ongoing injury concern, while the organization has provided limited information regarding his condition.
For fantasy football managers who invested heavily in him during drafts, what are the realistic prospects of Joe Mixon returning to action in the near future?
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Joe Mixon Injury Update
Since before the season began, Mixon has been on the reserve/non-football injury list. Now that we’ve reached Week 6, his mandatory four-game absence period concluded two weeks ago. At this point, Mixon could be activated whenever the team chooses. Unfortunately, there have been no signs suggesting that activation is imminent.
The injury occurred during the offseason while Mixon was conducting training sessions away from Houston’s facility. While the exact details of how the incident happened remain private, the organization has confirmed the injury affects his foot and ankle region.
But what appeared to be a minor issue initially has transformed into a much more serious concern, keeping him out for the entire offseason period.
Last season, Mixon suffered a right high ankle/deltoid injury in September and sustained a left ankle injury in December. As early as May, he was seen wearing a brace on his left ankle, indicating continued issues from those earlier problems.
After five weeks of the season, the team has provided minimal updates regarding Mixon’s status, and fantasy managers won’t find the limited news encouraging. HC DeMeco Ryans has continued to indicate that Mixon won’t be returning in the immediate future.
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The Texans are currently on bye. We very seldom get any news during bye weeks. The earliest we might hear about Mixon’s potential return is Week 7, and that’s just getting some information about a future return to practice. He certainly won’t be playing football in Week 7.
Several weeks ago, Ryans made concerning statements during a press conference, seemingly discussing Mixon in the past tense. “We’re rolling with the guys that are here,” Ryans declared. “That’s the main thing. We miss Joe, miss his energy, enthusiasm, and everything he brought to the team.”
This phrasing immediately raised red flags among observers regarding whether Mixon would return at any point this season.
General manager Nick Caserio has been equally non-committal when asked about Mixon’s potential availability for the remainder of 2025. “We’ll see. We’ll take it one day at a time,” Caserio explained. “We’ll evaluate those players after four weeks and see where they are in their progression and then make a determination.”
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Even more troubling reports have emerged recently. “Houston Chronicle” beat writer Jonathan M. Alexander indicated he has been led to believe that Mixon has “a very serious injury either to his foot or ankle.” Alexander noted that league sources he’s spoken with “had doubts about whether he’ll return this season. And those doubts have not changed.”
Since August, we have consistently advised fantasy managers to proceed with the expectation that Mixon won’t participate in games this season. The absence of any sightings of Mixon working on rehabilitation fields or engaging in individual workouts indicates the star running back remains distant from returning to competitive action.
Mixon Fantasy Outlook
During his 2024 season wearing a Texans uniform, Mixon accumulated 1,016 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns across 245 carries while adding 36 receptions for 309 yards and an additional score. He led the team in total touchdowns throughout the regular season and postseason, establishing himself as the offensive foundation.
With Mixon sidelined for an indefinite period, Houston has significantly adjusted its backfield approach. The composition has seen substantial modifications over the past several weeks, with more definitive choices made regarding the depth chart structure.
A notable shift occurred in the backfield during recent weeks. Dameon Pierce has become inactive weekly, while Dare Ogunbowale sees minimal playing time. The situation has evolved into a defined division between Nick Chubb, who handles early-down duties, and Woody Marks, who serves as the pass-catching specialist.
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The former Cleveland standout continues overseeing early-down responsibilities, though he has looked less dynamic since recovering from his own injuries that have reduced his explosive capability. Chubb’s playing time consistently hovers around 50%, positioning him as a touchdown-dependent RB3 choice for fantasy managers.
During recent weeks, Marks has made a big push toward becoming the primary option in this backfield. The rookie exceeded the veteran in snaps, touches, and overall production in several contests. However, with a positive game script against the Baltimore Ravens, the backfield split reverted back in favor of Chubb. This remains a frustrating committee.
Should Mixon eventually return to full health, he would still be expected to resume his complete role in what should resemble a workhorse situation. However, that possibility grows less likely each week as the organization appears to be moving forward without him.
Fantasy managers who selected Mixon in their drafts don’t need to waste valuable roster space since he maintains IR eligibility, but they must prepare for what increasingly appears to be a lost season.
The mystery surrounding his injury presents an enormous gamble despite the potential season-changing reward if he returns healthy. At this point, it appears more likely than not that he won’t compete during 2025.