It remains uncertain if Joe Mixon will ever take an NFL field again. As Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston writes, the running back’s NFL future still “lacks definitive clarity.” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledged as much during his season-ending press conference, admitting that he doesn’t “know that answer right now” when asked about Mixon’s status for the 2026 campaign.
The veteran running back ended up missing the entire 2025 season thanks to a “complicated” foot and ankle injury. While Mixon denied midseason reports that he wouldn’t suit up during the 2025 campaign, that ended up coming to fruition.
The former Bengals standout was traded to the Texans ahead of the 2024 season, and he quickly signed a three-year, $27MM extension. He had a productive first season with his new squad, finishing with 1,325 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns in 14 games. Mixon suffered a foot injury while working out in the offseason, and while the veteran sought several outside remedies, he never made enough progress to return to game action. The Texans remained relatively quiet about his status throughout the 2025 season, with Wilson noting that they were honoring the player’s wish for privacy.
“When you have your best players, you’re going to be a better team,” Ryans said (via Wilson). “Joe, he’s a really great running back for us and not having him, yes, of course, it affected our running game. Joe is one of the top running backs in this league. That affected us.”
Since Mixon spent the 2025 season on the non-football injury, the Texans weren’t obligated to pay his $7MM salary. It’s uncertain if the franchise ended up paying out that money. While the RB still has a year remaining on his contract, he’s only due a non-guaranteed $8MM in 2026. As Wilson notes, the Texans are expected to cut him loose this offseason.
The team signed Nick Chubb to replace Mixon in the lineup, although the former Pro Bowler was limited to only 573 offensive yards. Chubb is set to hit free agency this offseason, where he’ll be joined by fellow Texans RB Dare Ogunbowale. That would effectively leave fourth-round rookie Woody Marks as the only healthy RB on the roster entering the offseason.