The Houston Texans were dealt a tough blow this weekend with the news that Joe Mixon was expected to miss an "extended period of time", according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.. It confirms that there was reason for offseason concern that started when Mixon was seen in a walking boot.
#Texans RB Joe Mixon, who is on the non-football injury list, is expected to be out an extended period of time with a frustrating foot injury, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 26, 2025
The Pro Bowler coming off a 1,000-yard season will be reevaluated closer to the season to determine his availability. pic.twitter.com/Rz4FVhrkBu
The foot injury wasn't reported as serious, with the star back expected back in plenty of time for the regular season. Now, this is very much in doubt with Mixon's return having zero clarity. The 2024 season was viewed as a step back for the Texans' offense, and this is hardly a reason to believe things are going to get off to a better start.
Mixon is such an important piece of what the Texans want to accomplish. The back offers balance to a unit that already struggles to protect franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud. With this in mind, the offseason signing of former Cleveland Browns back Nick Chubb looks far larger.
Having a player with such extensive starting experience gives hope that the season isn't lost if Mixon needs extra time to get healthy in the first weeks of the season. Considering how negative this update sounds, this seems the most probable path.
Texans RB Nick Chubb Could Step Up After Joe Mixon Injury News
Chubb has averaged 5.1 yards per carry throughout his career in the middle of complete dysfunction. If you doubt just how inconsistent Chubb's time in Cleveland was, look up a list of the starting quarterbacks during his tenure. The star found ways to create offense in an offense far less talented than Houston's now offers. However, it is important to note that when Chubb returned from injury last season, he lacked his typical burst.
The numbers were down across the board, causing the Browns to turn the page. Despite this, there is reason to think that with the benefit of a fully healthy offseason, Chubb will return to the player he was prior to the 2023 injury. The veteran RB had to have his ACL repaired and had a long rehab and recovery, missing big chunks of two seasons.
For the Texans, the hope remains Mixon is able to return early in the year and Chubb turns back the clock, allowing the Houston offense some normalcy in the first weeks of the season.