Houston Texans' training camp is already off to a rough start with the news that star back Joe Mixon will be out for an extended time.
The pressure is already being turned up on quarterback C.J. Stroud and Houston's offense to find other answers. One potential fix could be free-agent signing Nick Chubb, who has starting experience. Before leaving Cleveland, Chubb spent the majority of his career getting starting reps and carrying an inconsistent offense.
The Texans hope that this is the version of the back who shows up until Mixon can return. At the same time, this is far from the only Houston concern with a questionable offensive line already creating waves.
During Thursday's practice, right tackle Blake Fisher jumped early, negating a run from Chubb in camp reps. Houston's coaching staff had an obvious level of frustration, choosing to bench the tackle as soon as the mistake was made, according to the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander.
C.J. Stroud was 1 for 2 with a completed pass to Nico Collins on the first series in team drills.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) July 24, 2025
Nick Chubb ran the ball with 1st team, but the play was negated because of a false start by Blake Fisher, who was immediately ñ pulled.
Texans Offensive Line Remains a Question Mark After Blake Fisher Blunder
Fisher is in his second season and remains an unknown moving forward. Houston's entire offensive line lacks the established stability you would love to hand Stroud. This is especially the case with Mixon expected to miss time. There is going to be far more pressure on Stroud to make plays, and for the offensive line to buy the needed time.
From left to right, Houston's offensive line is expected to be Cam Robinson, Laken Tomlinson, Jake Andrews, Tytus Howard, and Fisher. This is far from a proven and reliable group for Stroud to lean on. The potential is obvious, but the question marks and concerns are as well. Fisher is a big piece of this, continuing to attempt to cement his role on the outside. While it is just one rep, things are obviously off to a bit of a rough start.
The other notable takeaway from this report is the fact that Chubb is being given first-team reps. While this doesn't come as a surprise, it is notable that the offense is moving forward with replacing Mixon with the experienced veteran. Perhaps the back can turn back the clock to the productive force he was before last season.
Regardless, it is a story that demands a close eye as camp continues.
For Texans fans, this is a reason for concern, but the team remains in an incredibly favorable position. While the AFC is loaded, Houston's division is a noted exception. Even with Mixon's injury and the offensive line concern, the Texans remain heavy playoff favorites based on the advantage the weak division presents.
Still, it would be great to see progress from a unit that will determine just how high the Texans' ceiling is this season.