Training camp only began last week, yet several players have already missed sessions or suffered injuries. While some setbacks appear minor, others could linger well into the season. Unfortunately for the Houston Texans, running back Joe Mixon falls into the latter category.
Mixon is dealing with a foot injury expected to sideline him for an extended stretch. With the 2025 NFL season opener just a month away, there is optimism he will recover eventually, but all indications suggest he will not be available for Week 1.
The Texans open their campaign on September 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers on the road. Although a reevaluation is scheduled in the coming days, early projections are that Mixon will miss at least the first game of the season.
Mixon’s absence leaves preseason work undone
The veteran’s back suffered an injury during offseason training exercises and has yet to regain full strength. Initially, the team downplayed the issue, insisting it was nothing serious. Now, however, reality has shifted: Mixon’s recovery timeline is uncertain, leaving the Texans scrambling for alternatives.
Acquired last season from the Cincinnati Bengals, Mixon quickly became a differencemaker in Houston. He rushed for 1,016 yards on 256 carries and scored 11 touchdowns, providing balance and power to the Texans’ offense. Losing that production forces the coaching staff to rely on depth options and hope someone emerges while Mixon heals.
Other options in the Texans’ backfield
The offseason signing of Nick Chubb now looks critical. While no one anticipated Mixon’s injury, Chubb’s presence offers a measure of reassurance heading into preseason and the early schedule.
Chubb carries his concerns, having played just 10 games over the past two seasons due to a serious knee injury suffered in 2023. Still, his résumé includes four Pro Bowl selections, making him an experienced option to handle starting duties if healthy.
Houston hopes Chubb can rediscover the form that made him one of the league’s most reliable backs. They will need him to anchor the ground game, especially while Mixon is sidelined.
Another potential contributor is Dameon Pierce, though he, too, has battled injuries that limited his effectiveness over the past two seasons. Pierce could step into a larger role if required, but consistency remains a question.
Elsewhere, JJ Taylor began camp on the injured list, reducing his chances of factoring into the rotation. That opens the door for rookie Woody Marks, who may surprise coaches with his ability to contribute in passing situations and carve out a meaningful role.
The start for the Houston Texans it seems, will be rough; however, they have in the backfield loads of options to replace Joe Mixon. Therefore, even though they will be facing a strong match in week 1, they could find the best way to obtain the victory
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