Joe Mixon, who had an outstanding 2024 season in his first year with the Houston Texans, is facing uncertainty for Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season due to ongoing foot and ankle injuries. His health concerns have cast doubt on whether he will be able to participate in the Texans’ opening game in September.
Mixon, previously with the Cincinnati Bengals for his entire career before joining Houston, demonstrated his elite skills by rushing for 1,016 yards and scoring 12 total touchdowns in 2024. Despite a solid season, his injury troubles this offseason have put his availability in question.
Details on Mixon’s Injury and Expert Insights
NFL injury analyst Deepak Chona recently weighed in on Mixon’s condition, pointing out on social media that the running back’s extensive history of foot and ankle issues makes his Week 1 participation unlikely. Chona also emphasized the significant risk of re-injury due to the nature of these setbacks, adding to the Texans’ concerns as they prepare for the new season.
Potential Replacements If Mixon Misses Start of Season
If Mixon is sidelined at the beginning of the season, the Texans have a solid group of running backs ready to fill the void. Nick Chubb, Dameon Pierce, and Dare Ogunbowale are all on the depth chart, with Chubb positioned as the likely lead back due to his experience and skill set.
The Texans will undoubtedly hope to have Joe Mixon back on the field as soon as possible, but current reports clearly indicate a possibility of missed time early in the campaign. The team’s response to this situation will be critical as they aim to maintain a competitive offense.
Impact on Texans’ 2025 Campaign
Mixon’s injury status for Week 1 is a significant story given his role as the Texans’ primary running back and his proven production in 2024. Should he miss games early on, Houston’s running back committee will need to adjust quickly to mitigate any offensive disruption. The handling of Mixon’s recovery will likely influence the Texans’ offensive performance and playoff prospects this season.