Houston Texans GM Nick Caserio recently shed some light on the puzzling situation surrounding running back Joe Mixon and his foot surgery, raising more questions than answers. Speaking from Indianapolis, Caserio's remarks hinted at a lack of clarity within the organization regarding Mixon's condition and recovery process.
Caserio admitted, "We've talked to Joe and his representatives, so, honestly, it's day to day. We've had conversations, trying to get a little bit more information.
I think he had a surgery here this offseason in some capacity. So, trying to get some follow after that.
Again, I've said this multiple times, I'm not trying to be evasive. It's a moving target."
The uncertainty surrounding Mixon's procedure and recovery has been a point of concern. The fact that Caserio, the general manager, is unsure about the specifics of Mixon's surgery suggests a disconnect between the player and the team. This ambiguity is troubling for those hoping for a strong return from Mixon in 2026.
The potential trust issues between Mixon's camp and the Texans' front office come into focus, especially given the inconsistencies in public statements throughout the season. Caserio's attempts to pin down a return timeline for Mixon were hindered by the limited information available.
Caserio explained, “We knew last spring to the summer, there’s a chance he was going to miss a period of time. Honestly, I don't think we knew the extent of how long it was going to be.
It was touch and go. Again, I’m not trying to create any problems, it was just a moving target.”
This "moving target" narrative reflects the team's struggle to gain insight into Mixon's recovery during the 2025 offseason. It wasn't about secrecy; it was about the lack of information.
Further complicating matters, reports from KPRC2's Aaron Wilson indicated that Mixon underwent a unique recovery process involving stem cells from overseas.
As the NFL free agency period looms, the Texans are reportedly seeking high-end running back talent, suggesting a potential parting of ways with Mixon. It's a disappointing turn of events after just one season with the team, but sometimes these situations unfold unexpectedly.
The saga around Mixon and the Texans remains one of the more perplexing stories in the NFL right now.