The Houston Texans will not have running back Joe Mixon for at least the first four weeks of the 2025 regular season, with the two-time Pro Bowler on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list at least until Week 5. However, the Texans could very well be without him for much longer.

The Texans have done themselves few favors regarding speculation about Mixon, leading to backlash from head coach DeMeco Ryans towards the general narrative.

Moreover, the Texans’ plan to make do without Mixon may not be as solid as the hope.

Joe Mixon Visit Bad News for Texans

Joe Mixon #28 of the Houston Texans takes the field before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander noted that neither Ryans nor Texans general manager Nick Caserio would elaborate on Mixon’s ailment or timeline, nor does he expect them to be any more forthcoming until Mixon returns.

However, Alexander also noted that Mixon’s recent trip could be a significant cause for concern about the two-time Pro Bowler’s outlook.

“The fact that he saw a podiatrist in Florida outside the team facility is an indication that it’s likely a serious issue,” Alexander wrote on September 6.

“He’s had foot and ankle injuries throughout his career, and the two hip-drop tackles that caused him to miss time last season likely didn’t make things any better.

“Whether Mixon returns this year is unknown.”

“The hope for the Texans is that he will get better. But for now, the Texans are planning on going with their current running back room of Nick Chubb, Dameon Pierce, Dare Ogunbowale and Woody Marks,” Alexander wrote.

“None of those players bring the same juice and hard running as Mixon, delivering a hard blow to the Texans’ chances of being the best offense they can be.

“From my point of view at training camp, Chubb, who will get the start, looked like he had slowed a bit. And Pierce wasn’t quite himself yet, coming off an injury of his own.”

Mixon, 29, rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns during the 2024 regular season en route to his second Pro Bowl nod.

However, he also missed three games due to injuries, and he has missed time unexpectedly in all but three (out of eight) seasons.

DeMeco Ryans Protecting Joe Mixon’s Privacy

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans gives instructions against the Tennessee Titans.

Ryans pointed to Mixon’s right to privacy while dealing with a medical issue to justify the lack of information from the Texans while lamenting “inaccurate” narratives in the media.

“I get it. It’s a microwave society. Everybody wants it quick, everybody wants it now, and that leads to inaccurate information.

What I will just say is, really, that’s Joe’s business, that’s whoever’s business, and don’t talk about it. Let him be in peace. Let him do what he has to do to recover and get back right to play the game he sacrificed his body for.”

Caserio was noncommittal about Mixon playing in 2025 when asked directly.

Ryans cited the lack of benefit such discussions have for Mixon or the Texans, but speculation about the former Cincinnati Bengals star and 2024 trade acquisition is likely to continue.