Joe Mixon injury update: Houston Texans reveal Pro Bowl RB's availability to begin 2025 season

The Houston Texans announced Monday they will move running back Joe Mixon from the Active/Non-Football Injury list to the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline. As a result, Mixon will miss at least the first four games of the 2025 NFL season.

Mixon, 29, has been battling an ankle injury throughout the offseason. He did not practice during training camp, and the Texans had been quiet about his status.

ESPN insider Adam Schefter provided some insight on Mixon’s injury on Monday’s “Get Up.” Schefter believes this could be a season-long issue, not just an injury that forces Mixon to miss the beginning of the season.

“Joe Mixon, there have been no updates, no conversation about the man who’s supposed to be starting for the Houston Texans,” Schefter said. “He injured his ankle in the offseason and was placed on the Non-Football Injury list. By 4 p.m. ET tomorrow, the Houston Texans must decide whether to activate him or leave him on this list. If he’s left on the list, he’ll miss a minimum of four games.

“The silence from Houston is deafening regarding Joe Mixon’s injury. There’s been zero update. There are lots of questions about when — or if — he’ll be back. We’ll continue to await an update. They’re required to provide one by tomorrow. He hasn’t practiced all year, hasn’t been seen much, hasn’t been heard from at all. There’s a lot going on with Joe Mixon’s ankle that hasn’t been addressed, and it hangs over this franchise—leaving a major question mark at the running back position.”

Joe Mixon will remain sidelined for Texans

Last year marked Mixon’s first season in Houston after spending the previous seven with the Cincinnati Bengals. He recorded another 1,000-yard campaign, rushing for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns on 245 carries. He also contributed in the passing game, hauling in 36 receptions for 309 yards and a score.

Mixon was a key weapon for the Texans in the playoffs as well. He found the end zone against both the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card Round and the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round the following week. In total, he racked up 194 yards on 43 carries during the postseason.

Fortunately for Houston, they have proven depth in its running back room. Nick Chubb and Dameon Pierce are options, as is 2025 fourth-round pick Woody Marks. The Texans open the 2025 season Sunday, Sept 7, on the road against the Los Angeles Rams.