Report: Joe Mixon Expected to Miss Extended Time With Foot Injury

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon is expected to miss an extended period of time due to a foot injury, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Mixon has been placed on the non-football injury list to begin training camp, meaning the injury occurred outside of team activities. The 29-year-old Pro Bowl running back will be reevaluated closer to the start of the regular season to determine his availability for Week 1, when the Texans face the Los Angeles Rams on September 7.

Mixon is coming off a successful 2024 season with Houston, rushing for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games after being traded from the Cincinnati Bengals. The injury creates an opportunity for recently signed veteran Nick Chubb, who joined the Texans on a one-year deal in June following his recovery from a devastating knee injury suffered in 2023. Houston also has other running back options including fourth-round rookie Woody Marks from USC and Dameon Pierce, though Pierce is currently on the physically unable to perform list to begin training camp.

From a fantasy football perspective, Mixon's uncertain status significantly impacts draft strategies for the 2025 season. Fantasy managers who had targeted Mixon as a potential RB1 or RB2 option may need to reassess his value given the possibility he could miss early-season games. Conversely, Nick Chubb's fantasy stock receives a considerable boost, as the former Cleveland Browns star could step into a featured role with a Texans offense that includes quarterback C.J. Stroud and receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell. Rookie Woody Marks also becomes a deeper sleeper pick who could provide value if he carves out a significant role during Mixon's absence.