Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon recently underwent offseason surgery to address a lingering foot and ankle injury that kept him off the field for the entire 2025 NFL season. Texans general manager Nick Caserio confirmed the surgery but left Mixon's status for the upcoming season shrouded in mystery.
Mixon, 29, missed all of last season due to what Caserio described as a "freak" foot injury. The team was tight-lipped about the specifics, offering few updates as Mixon spent the year on injured reserve. Despite his absence, the Texans put together an impressive 12-5 record, making it to the Divisional Round of the AFC playoffs before falling to the New England Patriots, the eventual conference champions.
Acquired from the Cincinnati Bengals before the 2024 season, Mixon made an immediate impact in Houston. In his debut year with the Texans, he racked up 1,016 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 245 carries, averaging a solid 4.1 yards per carry over 14 games. He also proved valuable in the passing game, snagging 36 receptions for 309 yards and a touchdown.
A former Pro Bowl selection, Mixon is a crucial component of Houston’s offensive strategy when healthy. As the Texans gear up for the 2026 season, Mixon’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, adding an element of intrigue to their backfield situation as they head into training camp.