Introduction
Joe Mixon, the hard-charging running back for the Houston Texans, finds himself sidelined once again due to a foot injury. As fans and analysts wait for clarity, understanding the nature of his injury, his career so far, and his contract becomes critical. This article dives into the details: what happened, how he got hurt, his performance stats, and the financial side of his deal.
How Did Joe Mixon Get Hurt? – The Foot Injury Explained
What Happened
-
In the 2025 offseason, Joe Mixon sustained a foot injury while working out away from team facilities.
-
At the start of training camp, he was placed on the active non-football injury (NFI) list.
-
Later, the Texans moved him to the reserve/NFI list, meaning he will miss at least the first four games of the season.
Injury History & Complications
-
The injury is more serious than initially portrayed; the diagnosis is “worse than originally expected.”
-
GM Nick Caserio has stated there is no firm timetable for Mixon’s return.
-
According to Caserio, over the next 3–4 weeks from early October 2025, the team expects to get a clearer picture of Mixon’s recovery.
-
There have been issues during his aftercare: reports suggest that after walking boot and brace phases, Mixon visited a podiatrist using electromagnetic therapy to break up scar tissue.
-
The team has confirmed he has suffered from foot and ankle injuries before in his career, which may complicate recovery.
Foot & Ankle: Why It Matters
-
For a running back, foot and ankle health is critical. These injuries can severely limit cutting, acceleration, and load-bearing.
-
Because Mixon’s injury happened off-field (in offseason workouts), it’s classified as a non-football injury, impacting roster decisions and his return timeline.
-
The non-football injury designation also has financial and roster cap implications, as seen by his placement on the reserve/NFI list.
Joe Mixon’s Career Stats
Here’s a snapshot of Mixon’s NFL performance to date:
-
According to NFL.com, Mixon has accumulated 7,428 rushing yards over his career in 111 games.
-
He has scored 60 rushing touchdowns in his career.
-
His career yards per carry (YPC) average stands at 4.1.
-
In the 2024 season (with the Texans), Mixon played 14 games, carried the ball 245 times, gained 1,016 rushing yards, and scored 11 touchdowns.
-
Pro-Football-Reference confirms his career rushing details: 1,816 carries in 111 games, averaging 4.1 yards per carry, with 60 rushing TDs.
These numbers illustrate that Mixon remains a highly productive and durable back when healthy.
Contract Breakdown
Understanding Mixon’s financial commitment helps contextualize how important he is to Houston:
-
Mixon signed a three-year contract with the Texans in 2024.
-
The deal is worth $25.5 million, with a $6 million signing bonus and $16 million guaranteed.
-
His average annual salary under this contract is $8.5 million.
-
In 2025 specifically, his base salary is $7 million, and his cap hit is around $9.5 million.
-
If released or cut, the dead cap hit would be around $8 million, making his contract somewhat flexible for the Texans.
Implications & Outlook
-
Team Impact: With Mixon unavailable, the Texans have leaned on Nick Chubb (veteran) and rookie Woody Marks, shifting their early-season game plan.
-
Risk of Lingering Issues: Given his prior foot/ankle problems and the complexity of his current injury, there’s a real risk of reinjury or delayed recovery.
-
Financial Stakes: Houston’s investment in Mixon via his contract underscores how much they rely on him — both as a leader in the backfield and a key offensive asset.
-
Return Timeline: While Caserio is cautiously optimistic (“making progress”), without a solid timetable, Mixon’s role in the 2025 season remains uncertain.
-
Fan Expectations: For fans, Mixon’s absence may be frustrating, but his track record and talent mean that when he returns, he could still offer high value.
Conclusion
Joe Mixon’s foot injury is more than just a setback; it’s a pivotal moment for both his career and the Texans’ running game. While he has a strong statistical pedigree and a significant contract, recovery isn’t guaranteed. The next few weeks will be crucial for the team to assess whether he can return this season and return to form.
Leave a Reply