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Joe Mixon’s Injury Shouldn’t Cause Panic Yet

Originally posted on The Lead | By Cody Taylor | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 5:33 PM ET

Highlights of training camp are making rounds, and excitement for the upcoming NFL season is increasing daily.

While excitement is ramping up, not all training camp updates are exciting. Some teams are already being dealt unfortunate cards, like the New York Jets losing Justin Fields for a few days, Paris Campbell (Dallas Cowboys), Mack Hollins (New England Patriots), and now, Houston Texans running back, Joe Mixon.

The Details as We Know Them

Joe Mixon was placed on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list on July 23 for a foot injury that happened during the offseason.

Now, according to Ian Rapoport, he will miss a decent amount of time during training camp and will be re-evaluated closer to the start of the season. This is an unfortunate setback for the Texans as they work on installing Nick Caley’s new offense. Mixon rushed for his fifth 1,000-yard season in his career, running for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games, which earned him a second Pro Bowl nod in his first season in Houston.

#Texans RB Joe Mixon, who is on the non-football injury list, is expected to be out an extended period of time with a frustrating foot injury, sources say.

The Pro Bowler coming off a 1,000-yard season will be reevaluated closer to the season to determine his availability. pic.twitter.com/Rz4FVhrkBu

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 26, 2025

Why Isn’t It a Cause for Panic?

Training camp injuries happen. While this injury to Mixon is a setback, it seems by all accounts it is not season-ending or anything major. That is good for the outlook of the Texans’ pivotal season. It means next man up for the running back room.

The Texans signed Nick Chubb in the offseason as a backup to Mixon, and it looks like he will be the RB1 to start the season. Training camp videos have shown more of the old Chubb as he is looking to return to form after missing 18 games over the last two seasons due to injury.

First handoff of #Texans practice goes to Nick Chubb, as usual @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/oWxcLU5kgV

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 29, 2025

It will also open the door to fourth-round rookie Woody Marks getting more opportunities to showcase his abilities in camp and in the pre-season while Dameon Pierce is working his way back off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

J.J. Taylor is still on the roster, and Dare Ogunbowale is still there as a pass catcher in the backfield.

The depth chart will provide enough options for the Texans to make it through the preseason and Week 1, so panicking over Joe Mixon’s injury is not necessary right now. If more news arises in the coming weeks that the injury is worse or requires surgery, only then may panic ensue.

This article first appeared on The Lead and was syndicated with permission.

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