The Houston Texans continue to navigate the 2025 season without the services of Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon. The former Cincinnati Bengals star recently weighed in again, this time following the Texans’ narrow 16-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Notably, the Texans were missing not only Mixon but also quarterback C.J. Stroud during the game. While Stroud is expected to return this season—possibly as soon as next week—Mixon’s future with the team remains uncertain.
### Joe Mixon Reacts After Texans’ Win
The Texans needed a late surge and a game-winning field goal to edge out the Titans. Backup quarterback Davis Mills guided the offense down the field during crunch time, stepping up in the absence of Stroud. The Texans’ backfield, however, sorely missed Mixon. Rookie fourth-round pick Woody Marks started at running back, leading the team in touches with 18 carries for 44 yards. Nick Chubb also contributed with three carries for 18 yards.
Despite missing Mixon, the Texans secured the win. Mixon, staying engaged with the team, posted a simple “W” on X (formerly Twitter) on November 16 to acknowledge the victory.
Mixon was expected to be a key component of the Texans’ offense in 2025, serving as a dual threat. He was envisioned as both a safety valve for Stroud in the passing game and a reliable weapon to manage the clock late in close contests. In 2024, Mixon rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns, adding 36 receptions for 309 yards and one receiving touchdown.
### Injury Concerns and Impact on Texans’ Backfield
Mixon’s ongoing absence stems from a complicated foot and ankle injury—a recurring issue that has plagued his career. The Texans are feeling the impact of his absence in their rushing attack.
Although Mixon has remained involved with the team—sharing messages during and after games and appearing at a private event alongside wide receiver Tank Dell—the Texans reportedly do not expect him to return this season.
KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on November 13 that Mixon remains on the non-football injury list with a “tough and complicated” foot and ankle injury. Sources suggest this could sideline him for the entirety of the 2025 campaign.
### Future with the Texans: Uncertain
Mixon is signed with the Texans through the 2026 season on a three-year, $19.7 million contract. However, if his foot issues prevent a full recovery, his tenure with Houston could be in jeopardy.
Jonathan M. Alexander of The Houston Chronicle highlighted the possibility that the Texans might consider moving on from Mixon to save salary cap space. Releasing him could save the Texans approximately $8.5 million for the 2026 season, according to Over the Cap, as none of his 2026 salary is guaranteed.
### Texans GM Nick Caserio’s Update: Still Waiting
Texans General Manager Nick Caserio initially set an estimated timeline of three to four weeks for an update on Mixon’s status back in early October. That timeline has passed with no substantial news.
Speaking to Texans reporters on October 7, Caserio said, “I think, probably over the next few weeks, we’ll probably have a better idea. He’s making progress. So, I wouldn’t put a particular timetable on it. Kind of see how he’s progressing. But taking one day at a time. But I think once we kind of get to that period, probably have a better sense of which way it’s going to go for the duration of the year.”
However, the lack of updates, combined with Mixon’s absence at team activities, has cast a shadow over his status.
Alexander expressed concerns in October, writing, “All of those things would lead me to believe that Mixon has a very serious injury to either his foot or ankle. One league source I spoke to a month ago had doubts about whether he’ll return this season. And those doubts have not changed.”
He continued, “There was a glimmer of hope that his foot would respond to treatment and change the prognosis. Of all the people I’ve spoken with about this, there is no one who has told me they expect him to return this season. And if he was, someone would tell me.”
### Conclusion
As the Texans push forward in the 2025 season, all eyes remain on the status of Joe Mixon. While the team copes without their star running back, the uncertainty surrounding his recovery and future with Houston adds extra intrigue to the remainder of the season. For now, the Texans’ backfield will continue to rely on emerging talent and depth players as they await further updates from their medical and management teams.
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