Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio recently provided an update on the status of running back Joe Mixon, who has been sidelined this season due to a non-football injury sustained last offseason. The uncertainty surrounding Mixon’s availability has been a lingering concern for the Texans throughout the campaign.
During an appearance on Payne and Pendergast on SportsRadio 610, Caserio described Mixon’s situation as “very gray,” indicating that the running back has experienced both progress and setbacks in his recovery. Caserio emphasized that the team lacks clarity on Mixon’s timeline for return, making it challenging to set expectations.
Mixon, a former second-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2017 NFL Draft, joined the Texans in 2024 after being traded from the Bengals. He signed a lucrative three-year contract with the Texans, showcasing his value with over 1,000 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in his debut season with the team.
In Mixon’s absence this season, the Texans have relied on Woody Marks and Nick Chubb to carry the running game. However, the duo has struggled to replicate Mixon’s impact, leading to inconsistencies in the Texans’ rushing offense. As the team prepares to face the Buffalo Bills, they currently rank 23rd in the league in rushing yards and have surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in just five games this season.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Mixon’s return, the Texans have shown resilience on the field, winning three of their last four games and improving to a 5-5 record. As they aim to continue their positive momentum against the Bills, the Texans will likely have to navigate the remainder of the season without their star running back.
Overall, Caserio’s update sheds light on the challenges the Texans face without Mixon and underscores the team’s determination to overcome adversity as they push towards the playoffs. The absence of Mixon has undoubtedly impacted the Texans’ offense, but the team’s recent success demonstrates their ability to adapt and compete at a high level in his absence.
