Texans RB Joe Mixon Starts Season on NFI List with Ankle Injury

The Houston Texans announced they will not activate running back Joe Mixon from the non-football injury (NFI) list by the Tuesday deadline, meaning he will miss at least the first four games of the 2025 season due to a lingering foot and ankle injury sustained during the offseason away from the team. Mixon, who had a strong 2024 season including a Pro Bowl selection, has not practiced this year, leading the Texans to rely on Nick Chubb and Dameon Pierce for the backfield workload early in the season. The team has been tight-lipped about the specifics of Mixon's injury, only stating that further updates will come at an appropriate time. Head coach DeMeco Ryans declined to provide details during a press conference, but the Texans confirmed Mixon will be placed on the reserve/NFI list, making him ineligible to play until after Week 4. The Texans open the season against the Rams, Buccaneers, Jaguars, and Titans, with Chubb expected to be the starting running back in Mixon's absence. Mixon's delayed return could impact his role if Chubb performs well in his stead.