Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon is expected to be an integral part of the team’s offense again in 2025. He made his second career Pro Bowl in 2024 and was leaned on heavily after the Texans lost key pieces of their receiver corps and had to rely on the run.
However, his 2025 season is now in doubt due to a lingering foot injury.
How Does Mixon’s Injury Affect the Texans’ Running Game?
Ian Rapoport reports that Mixon, “who is on the non-football injury list, is expected to be out an extended period of time with a frustrating foot injury.”
#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.
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
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 26, 2025
Mixon, 29, missed the Texans’ offseason program, and the team downplayed the injury. However, it’s severe enough that it could jeopardize his availability for the Texans’ Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 7.
Mixon was the focal point of the Texans’ running game in 2024. He ran for 1,016 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns on 256 carries.
Does This Open the Door for Nick Chubb?
The Texans signed former Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb to a one-year, $2.5 million contract in June 2025. Mixon’s injury opens the door for Chubb, a four-time Pro Bowler, who is looking for a resurgent year after suffering a catastrophic knee injury in 2023.
Chubb played in only eight games for the Browns in 2024, rushing for 332 yards on 102 carries and scoring three touchdowns.
The Chubb signing appears to be wise. With Mixon out, Chubb will presumably step in as the lead back. If Chubb is back to full health, he could regain some of his form and keep the Texans’ running game stable.
Who Do the Texans Have Behind Chubb?
Dameon Pierce slots in behind Chubb and has 405 carries for 1,648 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns over his three-year career.
Pierce had a promising rookie season in 2022 when he ran for 939 yards and four touchdowns across 13 games, but he has since seen his role reduced due to injuries and the shift from a power running game to an outside-zone scheme.
The Texans also took USC running back Woody Marks in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Across five collegiate seasons (four with Mississippi State and one with USC) he ran for 3,016 yards on 608 carries and 31 touchdowns. He ran for 1,133 yards in his lone season as a Trojan.
The Texans’ backfield shouldn’t be thrown into chaos thanks to the signing of Chubb, but the hope was that Mixon and Chubb could be an effective 1-2 punch out of the backfield. Now, the Texans have to adapt.
The Texans play their first preseason game on the road Aug. 9 against the Minnesota Vikings.