The future of Texans running back Joe Mixon hangs in the balance, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering: Will we ever see him dominate the NFL field again? It’s a question that has lingered since his mysterious absence from the entire 2025 season, and as of January 20, 2026, there’s still no clear answer. As Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston reports, Mixon’s NFL career remains shrouded in uncertainty, with Texans coach DeMeco Ryans admitting during his season-ending press conference that he simply doesn’t have the answers about Mixon’s status for the upcoming campaign.
But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Mixon’s absence wasn’t just a minor setback. A ‘complicated’ foot and ankle injury sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, despite his midseason denials that he wouldn’t play. The former Bengals star, who signed a three-year, $27 million extension after being traded to the Texans in 2024, had been a powerhouse in his first season with the team, racking up 1,325 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns in just 14 games. His sudden disappearance from the lineup left a gaping hole in the Texans’ running game, as Ryans himself acknowledged, stating, ‘When you have your best players, you’re going to be a better team. Joe is one of the top running backs in this league. That affected us.’
And this is the part most people miss: Mixon’s injury occurred during the offseason, and despite seeking multiple outside treatments, he never recovered enough to return to action. The Texans, respecting his wish for privacy, remained tight-lipped about his condition throughout the season. Financially, the situation is equally murky. Since Mixon was placed on the non-football injury list, the Texans weren’t obligated to pay his $7 million salary for 2025. Whether they did or not remains unclear. With only a non-guaranteed $8 million due in 2026 and one year left on his contract, Wilson suggests the Texans are likely to part ways with him this offseason.
But here’s the controversial part: Is cutting Mixon the right move? While the team signed Nick Chubb to fill the void, Chubb’s limited 573 offensive yards in 2025 raise questions about his ability to replace Mixon’s production. Chubb and fellow Texans RB Dare Ogunbowale are both set to hit free agency, leaving fourth-round rookie Woody Marks as the only healthy running back on the roster. Could the Texans be making a costly mistake by letting Mixon go, or is it a necessary step to rebuild their backfield?
As we await clarity on Mixon’s future, one thing is certain: his story is far from over. Will he make a triumphant return, or will his NFL career fade into the annals of what could have been? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think the Texans should stick with Mixon, or is it time to move on?
