Joe Mixon Injury Update: Will the Texans RB Return This Season?

Joe Mixon has missed the entire 2025 season for the Houston Texans as he continues recovering from an offseason foot injury. His absence remains one of the team’s biggest unresolved issues as they push toward the playoffs. Fans are now asking what happened to Joe Mixon and whether he will return before the year ends.

The Texans have surged back into the AFC South race after a slow start, but their run game has struggled without their lead back. Houston has not issued a new timeline, leaving uncertainty around Mixon’s status heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

Latest Injury Update on Joe Mixon and His Expected Return Timeline

Mixon has not played since the AFC divisional round against the Kansas City Chiefs in January 2025. He suffered a significant foot injury in the offseason and began the year on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list. The team has kept his medical details private, and no new evaluations have been released by coach DeMeco Ryans or team officials.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on November 20 that Mixon was unlikely to return at any point in the 2025 season. Mixon disputed the report publicly, questioning how an outsider could know more about his recovery than he does. Despite his pushback, the Texans have not issued any statement to counter the report or offer signs of progress.

Houston continues operating as if Mixon will not play again this season. The rushing attack ranks 23rd in the NFL entering Week 14. Last season, Mixon led the team in rushing yards and played a major role in postseason success. His absence has forced the Texans to rely on younger players and adapt their offensive approach.

Rookie Marks has emerged as the team’s primary running back, overtaking Chubb after several strong midseason performances. Ogunbowale continues to serve as a depth option, giving Houston flexibility but not the explosive production Mixon previously provided.

The Texans’ growing momentum is fueled by a defense ranked first in both yards and points allowed, according to team statistics. That strength has allowed the offense to stabilize while operating without Mixon. Even so, a late-season return from him would dramatically change the dynamic of Houston’s playoff push. For now, all signs indicate that Mixon remains unlikely to play again in 2025 unless a major shift occurs in his recovery.

How Joe Mixon’s Absence Shapes the Texans’ Season

The Texans’ playoff hopes may not depend on Mixon directly, but his absence has reshaped their offensive identity. Houston has leaned more heavily on rookie Marks, who has shown improvement each week and brought stability to the position. Chubb and Ogunbowale help fill gaps, yet none replicate Mixon’s veteran experience or consistent production.

Long-term, the uncertainty creates difficult questions for roster planning. Mixon is a central figure in the offense when healthy. If he remains sidelined beyond 2025, Houston may need to evaluate its depth chart and offseason strategy surrounding the running back position.

Mixon’s injury remains one of the most closely watched Texans storylines. Until new updates emerge, expectations should remain tempered regarding his availability this season.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What happened to Joe Mixon?

Mixon suffered an offseason foot injury and has not played in 2025. He remains on the NFI list with no announced timeline for return.

Q2: Is Joe Mixon returning this season?

Based on recent reporting, Mixon is unlikely to return in 2025. The Texans have released no updates suggesting a change.

Q3: Who is starting at running back for the Texans?

Rookie Marks has become the primary starter. Chubb opened the year as the lead back, while Ogunbowale provides depth.

Q4: How has Mixon’s injury affected the Texans?

The run game ranks in the lower half of the league, but strong defensive play has kept the team competitive.

Q5: When was Mixon’s last game?

His last appearance was in the AFC divisional playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs in January 2025.