NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Joe Mixon (foot) is not expected to play this year.

20 November 2025

Mixon will remain on the PUP list for the remainder of the season. The veteran back popped up with a mysterious foot injury during the offseason that landed him in a walking boot. Reports indicated that he would be back quickly, but that never materialized and his hypothetical return date was kicked down the road time and time again. Texans GM Nick Caserio continued to give non-answers on Mixon’s stats throughout the season, foreshadowing this outcome. Mixon is under contract for one more year, but the Texans can save $8.5 million by cutting him in the offseason. That seems like an inevitability after a lost season for the 29-year-old. Woody Marks will lead the backfield going forward while Nick Chubb will be in the mix as a backup.