Texans Star RB Joe Mixon Set to Miss First Four Games: Will Nick Chubb Step Up?

In a significant setback for the Houston Texans, running back Joe Mixon will miss at least the first four games of the upcoming NFL season due to an ankle injury.

The Texans confirmed that Mixon will not be activated from the non-football injury list by the Tuesday 4 p.m.

ET deadline, forcing him to be placed on the reserve/non-football injury list.

Mixon, who turned 29 this year, had an impressive 2024 season with the Texans, rushing for 1,016 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns.

His performance earned him Pro Bowl honors in his first year with the team, solidifying his role as a key player in Houston’s offense.

However, the ankle injury has plagued him since the start of training camp, where he began on the active/non-football injury list and did not participate in OTAs and minicamp.

The last time Mixon participated in any game-related activities with the Texans was during the divisional round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs, which raises concerns about his readiness to return to form.

The Texans are hopeful that he can return in Week 5 when they face the Baltimore Ravens, but for now, the team must prepare for the challenges ahead without their star running back.

To mitigate the impact of Mixon’s absence, the Texans took proactive measures during the offseason by signing four-time Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb, who spent seven successful seasons with the Cleveland Browns.

Chubb’s experience and skill set make him an ideal candidate to step into the lead role in Mixon’s absence.

Additionally, the Texans drafted Woody Marks out of USC in the fourth round of the NFL draft, adding depth to their backfield.

As the Texans gear up for their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, Chubb has emerged as the primary running back for the starting offense.

Alongside him, running backs Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale are also expected to see significant playing time.

Pierce, who started training camp on the physically unable to perform list, has since been activated and is looking to make an impact.

Ogunbowale adds further depth to the running back position, giving the Texans multiple options to rely on.

The Texans’ decision to bolster their running back corps this offseason reflects their understanding of the potential challenges posed by Mixon’s injury.

While Mixon’s absence is undoubtedly a blow to the team’s offensive plans, the addition of Chubb and the development of younger players like Marks and Pierce provide hope for a successful run game.

As the Texans prepare to kick off the season against the Rams, all eyes will be on Chubb to see if he can carry the load and deliver a strong performance.

The team’s ability to adapt to Mixon’s absence will be crucial as they aim to establish a competitive edge in their division.

With the season rapidly approaching, the Texans are focused on overcoming the challenges posed by Mixon’s injury while maximizing the potential of their revamped running back group.

The combination of Chubb’s experience and the contributions of other running backs will be essential as the Texans embark on their quest for success in the 2025 NFL season.