HOUSTON – The status of injured Texans Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon still lacks definitive clarity for the future.
Mixon missed the entire season on the non-football injury list, as KPRC 2 reported he would in October due to a ‘tough and complicated’ foot-ankle injury, per league sources. During the season, a source emphasized the team wasn’t expecting Mixon to return at any point and that his career is in doubt.
Mixon, a Pro Bowl selection last season who was acquired in a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals and signed to a three-year, $27 million contract, is under contract for next season. He was due a guaranteed $7 million last season and is due a nonguaranteed $8 million in 2026, which means the Texans can cut Mixon this offseason without any financial consequence. It’s considered likely that the Texans will ultimately move on from Mixon due to his health issues.
“As of right now, I don’t know that answer right now,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said when asked if Mixon will return for next season. “No clarity.”
Mixon was in a walking boot in the spring and his injury prompted the Texans to sign four-time Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb. Mixon later was in a lace-up brace with some improved mobility over the summer. He has sought outside medical help, including nonsurgical procedures, including electromagnetic therapy at a Florida clinic to try to speed up the healing process. Mixon would get better at times, prompting optimism.
The injury never healed to the point where Mixon was close to returning, though. The Texans didn’t provide much, if any, detail on his status. Sources say that was because they were honoring Mixon’s wishes for privacy. There were several untrue and unsubstantiated rumors surrounding how Mixon got injured.
The Texans are leaned on rookie running back Woody Marks without Mixon and got contributions from Nick Chubb.
In 2024, Mixon rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns as he was named to the Pro Bowl.
Without Mixon, the running game missed his dynamic, tackle-breaking presence.
“When you have your best players, you’re going to be a better team,” Ryans said. “Joe, he’s a really great running back for us and not having him, yes, of course, it affected our running game. Joe is one of the top running backs in this league. That affected us.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com
Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.