When the Houston Texans kicked off their 2025 campaign, the plan was simple: Joe Mixon would be the engine of the offense. After all, he was coming off a 1,000-yard season and a Pro Bowl nod - a proven veteran expected to carry the load in Bobby Slowik’s system.
But here we are, heading into Week 12, and Mixon hasn’t taken a single snap. What was supposed to be a cornerstone season for the veteran running back has turned into a complete question mark.
The first signs of trouble surfaced back in late July. Rumors began swirling around Mixon’s status just as training camp was getting underway.
Days later, the Texans placed him on the non-football injury list - and he hasn’t moved since. The reported issue?
A foot injury that occurred sometime during the offseason. That revelation blindsided fans who were banking on Mixon to be a focal point of Houston’s offensive identity.
Since then, updates have been scarce. Initially, the NFI designation meant Mixon would miss the first four games.
But as the calendar turned to December and the Texans keep grinding through the season, Mixon remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. And the team isn’t offering much clarity.
General manager Nick Caserio said in early October that Mixon was “making progress,” but more than a month later, there’s still no firm timeline. As Caserio put it, there’s “no crystal ball” when it comes to Mixon’s return.
And while Mixon’s status remains in limbo, Houston’s backfield has quietly found its footing without him.
Enter Woody Marks. The rookie has been a revelation in recent weeks, seizing control of the backfield with authority.
In the last two games alone, Marks has logged over 73% of the offensive snaps - a clear sign that the coaching staff trusts him in all phases. He’s brought fresh legs, burst, and a sense of urgency to the run game that’s been hard to ignore.
Then there’s Nick Chubb. The veteran has taken on more of a complementary role, but his impact is still felt.
While his snap count has dipped, his efficiency remains high. Through Week 13, both Chubb and Marks had logged 99 carries - but Chubb’s yards per touch edge shows he's still got plenty left in the tank.
The Texans are benefiting from a dynamic one-two punch, even without their presumed RB1.
That production has only further complicated Mixon’s future in Houston - especially when you look at the financials.
As the Texans look ahead to the 2026 offseason, Mixon’s contract looms large. He accounts for over 3% of the team’s total cap space - a hefty figure for a player who hasn’t suited up all season.
Meanwhile, both Marks and Chubb are on team-friendly deals, combining for less than 1% of the cap. That kind of cost efficiency is hard to ignore, especially for a team trying to build around a young core and maintain flexibility.
Mixon’s talent is undeniable. When healthy, he’s a physical, versatile back who can carry an offense.
But in the NFL, availability matters just as much as ability - and right now, Mixon hasn’t been available. That reality, paired with the emergence of Marks and the steady presence of Chubb, may push the Texans to consider some tough decisions this offseason.
There’s still a chance Mixon returns before the season ends. But with Houston making a playoff push and the offense finding its rhythm, the team may already be preparing for life beyond him. Whether that means exploring trade options or simply moving on to free up cap space, the writing on the wall is getting harder to ignore.
For now, the Texans are rolling with the backs they have - and they’re doing just fine.