When the Houston Texans entered into the 2025 season, the expectation was for Joe Mixon to start right where he left off at, and be the anchor for this Texan’s offensive attack. Mixon, who is coming off a 1,000 yard season and a Pro Bowl appearance, had high expectations coming out of the offseason, but through 10 games these expectations couldn’t have been more wrong.

Starting in late July 2025, rumors started to circulate regarding Joe Mixon’s availability entering into the 2025 preseason. A couple days later and Mixon was placed on the non-football injury list, and he hasn’t budged since. CBS Sports first reported on the matter, stating that his injury resulted from a foot issue that occurred sometime in the offseason. This came as a shock to fans, who otherwise thought that their star running back would be back and better than ever for their 2025 campaign.

Ever since this unfolded, updates have been slim to none regarding Mixon’s timeline to return. At the start of the season, this designation required Mixon to only be out for the first four games, but as we enter week 12 of the NFL season, Mixon has stayed put on the PUP List. The Texan’s front office has admitted that they have “no crystal ball timeline” for his return as of yet. 

Houston’s front office hasn’t exactly been vocal with what updates they have given either. Texan’s general manager Nick Caserio mentioned that Mixon was “making progress” in early October, but now in mid-November, with the Texan’s striving for a playoff push, there have been far greater things to focus on if you were the Texan’s front office.

Additionally, Houston’s back field has found surprising stability in Mixon’s absence. Rookie Woody Marks has bursted onto the scene as of late, taking over 73% of the snap share in their last two games. Veteran Nick Chubb has offered a unique change of pace for this offense as well. While his snap share has decreased dramatically with the rise of Marks, both backs were still tied with 99 carries each heading into week 13, with Chubb leading the way in efficiency. 

This line continues to get blurred when we look at Houston’s financial standpoint entering into the 2026 offseason. Moving on from Mixon’s contract would clear up significant cap space, and Marks and Chubb are both on flexible deals, taking up less than 1% of the team’s total cap space. Mixon on the other hand, has a contract that consumes over 3% of the team’s total cap. 

For someone who performed so well the last time we got to see him on the field, the market for Mixon might be as high as it will ever be. The smart decision for Houston would be to cut their losses, and find a suitable trade target for Mixon in the offseason. Sure, there could still be potential for Mixon to return this season, but Houston’s offense may already be embracing life without him. 

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