Joe Mixon Injury Update Will Texans RB Return to Power Fantasy Teams This Year

The Houston Texans are currently facing significant challenges in their backfield as star running back Joe Mixon remains unavailable due to a persistent foot injury. This absence raises concerns for fantasy football managers regarding the viability of Mixon for the remainder of the season.

Joe Mixon Injury Update

Since July, Joe Mixon has been placed on the reserve/non-football injury list, missing all training camp, preseason games, and now eight weeks of the regular season. The injury, which affects his foot and ankle, was sustained during offseason training sessions away from the Texans’ facility.

General Manager Nick Caserio’s recent remarks have not provided much hope for Mixon’s return. He indicated that there is no fixed timeline for recovery, emphasizing a day-by-day approach. Caserio described Mixon’s availability for the remainder of the season as “in limbo,” highlighting uncertainty regarding his long-term participation.

Injury expert Aaron Wilson characterized Mixon’s situation as “tough and complicated,” hinting that the issue may stem from previous ankle injuries rather than being a new ailment. Head Coach DeMeco Ryans has also raised eyebrows with comments that reference Mixon in the past tense, suggesting the team is moving forward without him.

Current Backfield Dynamics

As of Week 8, Mixon has officially missed half the fantasy football season. With no signs of improvement, many experts believe he will remain sidelined for the entire year. In Mixon’s absence, the Texans have developed a running back rotation featuring Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks.

• Nick Chubb: The former Cleveland Browns player has emerged as the primary ball carrier with impressive stats:
  • 58 carries for 249 rushing yards
  • 2 touchdowns
  • High efficiency as noted by Caserio
• Woody Marks: The rookie has showcased potential and logged:
  • 233 yards from scrimmage
  • 2 touchdowns on 42 touches

This dynamic suggests a committee approach for fantasy purposes. Chubb is viewed as a touchdown-dependent RB3 option, while Marks offers more upside with his pass-catching capabilities. If Mixon were to regain full health, he could reclaim his prominent role, but this scenario seems less likely as the weeks progress.

Fantasy Outlook for Joe Mixon

For those who drafted Joe Mixon, it is prudent to have low expectations for any fantasy contributions in 2025. With the uncertainty surrounding his injury and the Texans’ backfield situation, focusing on current players who are contributing on the field is essential for fantasy success.