Key injury puts Texans' C.J. Stroud under more pressure in 2025

His absence puts more weight on Stroud's shoulders as he enters his third season as Houston's starting quarterback. After having one of the league's worst offensive lines last season, his rushing attack could be just as detrimental this year.

Mixon, who was acquired in a March 2024 trade with the Cincinnati Bengals for a seventh-round pick, had 245 carries, 1,016 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns in his first season with the Texans. He added 309 yards on 36 receptions (8.6 yards per catch) and was named to the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career.

Nick Chubb, who averaged a career-low 3.3 yards per carry in his return from a 2023 season-ending torn ACL, is set to fill in as RB1 while Mixon is sidelined.

Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, was named Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year two seasons ago, leading the Texans to a 10-7 record and AFC South title after the franchise had won 11 games from 2020-22.

The Texans plateaued last season, going 10-7 for the second consecutive year and seeing the young quarterback taking more sacks and throwing more interceptions in Year 2 than Year 1.

Stroud wasn't fully to blame for his struggles, with the offensive line playing a prominent role, prompting the front office to overhaul the unit during the offseason. 

Mixon's injury threatens to derail Houston's run game, which would make Strou d and the aerial attack more important to the team's success.

The Texans still managed to win the AFC South in 2024 despite the offensive line's shortcomings, and based on how weak the division is, they should be a serious contender to repeat this season. Mixon's injury complicates things, but it also gives Stroud an opportunity to fortify himself as Houston's franchise quarterback.

After last season, he should be used to the pressure.