Houston Texans Training Camp 2025: Key Takeaways, Injury Updates & Players With Most to Prove

The Houston Texans training camp 2025 is officially underway, marking the third season of the DeMeco Ryans-C.J. Stroud era. Expectations are sky-high after a promising 2024 season, but early developments at the Memorial Methodist Training Center suggest a bumpy start with several key players missing time due to injuries.

From the absence of star running backs like Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce to new additions on the PUP list and competition for final roster spots, here’s everything you need to know about the Texans’ training camp — including live updates, projected starters, and what’s next for Houston.

Major Injury Concerns: Joe Mixon, Dameon Pierce, Tank Dell Among Missing Pieces

One of the biggest headlines early in camp is the absence of star running back Joe Mixon, who was placed on the non-football injury (NFI) list due to a foot injury. Mixon, who racked up over 1,000 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns last season, was expected to be the engine of the Texans’ ground game. His status remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, Dameon Pierce and J.J. Taylor are also sidelined, further depleting Houston’s running back depth. With the top three backs currently unavailable, the Texans’ decision to sign former Browns star Nick Chubb earlier this offseason is now proving prescient. However, Chubb is still recovering from his own injury and remains limited.

Other notable names on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list include:

• Tank Dell (WR) – A crucial deep threat for C.J. Stroud

• Jimmie Ward (S) – Veteran leader in the secondary

• Trent Brown (OT) – Key piece on the offensive line

• Denico Autry (DE), Derek Barnett (DE), Foley Fatukasi (DT) – Veteran defenders expected to anchor the front seven

The Texans’ early injury report reads like a Pro Bowl roster, which could seriously affect preseason chemistry and rhythm.

Christian Harris and Graham Mertz Return — But Still Limited

Despite not being on any injury list, linebacker Christian Harris and rookie quarterback Graham Mertz were spectators during the Texans’ first day of practice. Harris, entering a contract year, is coming off a calf injury that limited him to just three games last season. He was spotted doing conditioning drills on a side field with strength staff.

Meanwhile, Mertz, a sixth-round pick from Florida, is working his way back from a torn ACL. The Texans are carrying four quarterbacks into camp, so Mertz faces an uphill battle to make the final 53-man roster unless he impresses soon.

C.J. Stroud: All Eyes on Year Three

Quarterback C.J. Stroud enters his third year as the face of the franchise and the unquestioned leader of the offense. The Texans are banking on Stroud continuing his upward trajectory after throwing for over 4,100 yards and 29 touchdowns last season.

He arrived at camp alongside No. 1 receiver Nico Collins, and their chemistry will be crucial in shaping Houston’s offensive identity under new offensive coordinator Nick Caley. Caley, formerly with the Patriots, brings a fresh approach that blends West Coast concepts with heavy pre-snap motion and tight end utilization.

Nick Caley and the Offensive Shift

Speaking of Caley, this camp is also a critical proving ground for the Texans’ new offensive coordinator. Houston’s offensive unit showed promise in 2024 but struggled with consistency in red-zone efficiency and third-down conversions. Caley is expected to address those issues while maximizing the talents of Stroud, Collins, and tight end Dalton Schultz.

Training camp will provide the first look at how Caley plans to deploy his weapons and develop a rhythm heading into preseason games.

Defense Reloads, But Depth Is a Concern

The Texans’ defense, long a hallmark of DeMeco Ryans’ philosophy, has added veteran talent this offseason, but injuries are already testing depth.

The defensive line, in particular, is missing key contributors such as:

• Denico Autry

• Derek Barnett

• Kurt Hinish

• Foley Fatukasi

Linebacker depth is also shaky with K.C. Ossai sidelined and Christian Harris still not fully active. If these veterans can’t ramp up in time, younger players and fringe roster hopefuls will need to seize the opportunity to step up.

Jimmie Ward: Legal Troubles Loom

Safety Jimmie Ward, who was recently arrested, is currently not practicing. Texans GM Nick Caserio confirmed that the team is working with the league and remains in full compliance as Ward continues his rehabilitation. His veteran presence in the locker room remains valuable, but it’s unclear how soon he will rejoin practice — or what further league discipline might follow.

7 Texans With the Most to Prove

1. Nick Caley (OC) – Must deliver a functional, explosive offense in his first year.

2. C.J. Stroud (QB) – Needs to elevate his game into MVP territory for playoff contention.

3. Tank Dell (WR) – Recovering from injury, he must reaffirm his deep-threat status.

4. Christian Harris (LB) – Contract year makes this season a career-defining opportunity.

5. Joe Mixon (RB) – Can he stay healthy and be the bell cow for a playoff team?

6. Trent Brown (OT) – Conditioning and durability will determine his impact.

7. Jimmie Ward (S) – Off-field issues must not distract from on-field leadership.

Projected Texans Final 53-Man Roster (Early Prediction)

Quarterbacks (3)

• C.J. Stroud

• Davis Mills

• Case Keenum

Running Backs (3-4)

• Joe Mixon

• Nick Chubb

• Dameon Pierce

• X-Factor: Undrafted free agent or trade addition

Wide Receivers (6)

• Nico Collins

• Tank Dell

• Robert Woods

• John Metchie III

• Xavier Hutchinson

• Steven Sims

Tight Ends (3)

• Dalton Schultz

• Brevin Jordan

• Teagan Quitoriano

Offensive Line (9)

• Laremy Tunsil

• Tytus Howard

• Juice Scruggs

• Shaq Mason

• Trent Brown

• Josh Jones

• Kenyon Green

• Jarrett Patterson

• Michael Deiter

Defensive Line (9)

• Will Anderson Jr.

• Denico Autry

• Derek Barnett

• Foley Fatukasi

• Kurt Hinish

• Jonathan Greenard

• Sheldon Rankins

• Dylan Horton

• Jerry Hughes

Linebackers (6)

• Christian Harris

• Blake Cashman

• Denzel Perryman

• Henry To’oTo’o

• K.C. Ossai

• Neville Hewitt

Defensive Backs (10)

• Derek Stingley Jr.

• Jalen Pitre

• Steven Nelson

• Jimmie Ward

• Tavierre Thomas

• Desmond King

• Eric Murray

• Kamari Lassiter

• Grayland Arnold

• D’Angelo Ross

Special Teams (3)

• Ka’imi Fairbairn (K)

• Cameron Johnston (P)

• Jon Weeks (LS)

Final Thoughts: A Crucial Camp for Houston’s Playoff Aspirations

The 2025 Houston Texans training camp is a mix of high hopes and immediate adversity. With a franchise quarterback in place and a strong core of playmakers, Houston has playoff potential — but injury concerns and depth issues threaten to derail early momentum.

DeMeco Ryans and his staff must now navigate injuries, manage player workloads, and evaluate young talent, all while implementing a new offensive scheme. If they can keep key players healthy and get meaningful reps from their backups, the Texans could be a team to watch in the AFC once again.

Stay tuned to SportsJone.com for daily updates, injury reports, and roster analysis throughout the 2025 NFL preseason.