Jan. 29, 2026, 4:23 p.m. CT

Joe Mixon plans on playing in 2026 after missing last year with a lingering foot injury.

The biggest question now is, will that be with the Houston Texans?

Mixon, who earned a Pro Bowl nod in his first season with the Texans, posted to his Instagram story earlier this week with a message that read “All 26’. Vengeance.” The caption was preceded by a picture of him and quarterback C.J. Stroud together on the field following a win.

Earlier this month, Mixon posted another story stating he “can’t wait to get back,” holding the AFC Conference Championship MVP trophy as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. And throughout the season, the two-time Pro Bowler has posted how he wished he could be on the field with Houston amid a 12-win season.

But in reality, will the Texans hold on to Mixon after a lost year? That’s perhaps one of the biggest questions of the offseason for general manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans as they enter a crucial 2026 season that could define their tenure at NRG Stadium.

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After breaking out with a 1,000-yard campaign in 2024, Mixon was expected to be the bell-cow back once more, but a foot injury sidelined him for all of the offseason workouts. When training camp rolled around, Mixon was nowhere to be found and was later placed on the NFI list by Houston to begin the season.

Midway through the year, it had been reported that Mixon was unlikely to play this season due to setbacks with the foot. When asked after the season if Mixon hurt his foot away from football activities, Caserio said it wasn’t of the case.

“It wasn’t like he was riding a snowmobile. It was more of a medical condition or situation that just never… It really didn’t improve, maybe as much as everybody would’ve hoped,” Caserio said. “I’m not trying to evade the question. I think that’s the reality of the question. He didn’t jump off a building; he wasn’t cliff diving. He wasn’t doing anything irresponsible. It was a freak thing. Honestly, I’ve never seen it, the condition.”

The lack of a stable run game hurt Houston’s chances of improving as an offense under new play-caller Nick Caley. Woody Marks, who was expected to be a No. 2 option, ended up being the leading rusher with over 700 yards and three touchdowns, but he only rushed for over 100 yards once, coming in the playoff wild-card round win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Caserio did mention that if healthy, Houston would love to bring back Mixon since he’s under contract through next season. Then again, the Texans could save $8 million against their already tight cap space if they were to release the former Pro Bowler this offseason.

Marks will be on the roster come this time next season, but the rest of the running back room, including Mixon, remains a mystery. Jawhar Jordan remains under contract as part of the active roster, but he could be moved to the practice squad after roster cuts. Dare Ogunbowale and former All-Pro Nick Chubb are set to hit the market in free agency, leaving questions about their status open entering the summer.

Mixon made it clear he plans on playing in 2026. Will it be with the Texans? That’s the million-dollar question that could be determined based on one meeting with the team, something Mixon hasn’t done in months.