HOUSTON — Joe Mixon’s future for the upcoming season remains unclear after the Houston Texans running back did not play this year due to what general manager Nick Caserio referred to as a «freak» foot ailment on Wednesday.
«We haven’t seen Joe for a while, so at some point we’ll meet him and then assess where he stands, and based on that information, determine his status,» Caserio stated.
The Texans released minimal information regarding Mixon’s rehabilitation throughout the year after informing that he had suffered a foot injury outside the facility during the offseason in training camp.
In response to questions about his injury on Wednesday, Caserio offered slightly more insight but still did not disclose the specifics of the injury.
«It wasn’t as if he was using a snowmobile or something like that,» Caserio commented. «It was more of a medical issue or condition that unfortunately didn’t seem to progress as everyone had hoped. I’m not trying to avoid the question, that’s just how it is. He didn’t leap off a building. He wasn’t cliff diving or anything foolish. It was simply an odd occurrence.»
The Texans advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs for the third consecutive year, but their offense significantly suffered with Mixon sidelined for the entire season due to the injury. This followed a successful first year with the team in 2024, where he rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns. He still has one year left on a three-year, $27 million contract extension signed after joining the Texans following seven years with the Bengals.
Caserio mentioned that they had uncertainty regarding his status throughout the season but remained optimistic about a possible return.
«It was quite an unusual situation,» he said. «I don’t think anyone really had clear understanding, honestly, from the beginning of the year until now. I would say Joe put in a tremendous effort to try to prepare to play football, but it just didn’t come to fruition. So we may have a chance to evaluate where he stands in the offseason with respect to next year.»
With Mixon, 29, unavailable this season, the Texans depended on rookie Woody Marks and Nick Chubb. Marks, a fourth-round draft choice, topped the team with 703 rushing yards, and Chubb contributed 506 yards. The Texans struggled to run effectively in their loss to New England last week, achieving only 48 rushing yards.
When directly asked if they believe Mixon’s condition will improve sufficiently for him to be ready at the start of training camp, Caserio responded that it is too early to determine.
«We’ll see. Trust me, I’m not knowledgeable enough to be a doctor, so I’ll leave that to the medical professionals,» he replied. «Once we have a clearer picture, more details, we’ll assess where we stand.»
