The Houston Texans are grappling with the extended absence of running back Joe Mixon, who has been sidelined due to a persistent injury. As the fantasy football season progresses, many are left wondering if the star player will make a return anytime soon.
Joe Mixon has been on the reserve/non-football injury list since July, missing the entire offseason program, preseason activities, and the first ten weeks of the regular season. Reports indicate that his injury affects both his foot and ankle, having been sustained during private training sessions. General manager Nick Caserio recently characterized Mixon’s condition as a “tough, complicated situation,” with no definite timetable for recovery. He emphasized the need to approach the situation one day at a time, though he hinted at potentially gaining more clarity in the upcoming month. Despite this hopeful tone, tangible signs of improvement remain elusive.
Compounding the uncertainty surrounding Mixon’s recovery, Caserio revealed that the veteran’s availability for the remainder of the season is “in limbo.” The lack of a concrete return date suggests considerable recovery work lies ahead. Sources have described Mixon’s injury as quite complex, raising concerns about whether he will take the field at all this season. The situation appears to be an aggravation of previous ankle issues rather than a fresh injury.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans has made statements that imply the team may be preparing for Mixon’s long-term absence, referring to what he has “brought to the team” in the past. As the Texans enter Week 10, Mixon has missed more than half the fantasy football regular season, and there is little indication that he is close to returning to practice or games.
In Mixon’s absence, the Texans have relied on a two-man committee comprising Nick Chubb and Woody Marks. Chubb initially stepped into the lead role, but Marks has been performing impressively in recent weeks. Caserio praised Chubb’s efficiency and vision, noting that he has contributed positively when the Texans are ahead. However, Marks has outperformed Chubb when the team is trailing, showcasing his ability to catch passes and provide more versatility as a rookie.
If Mixon were to regain full health, he would likely reclaim his workhorse role, especially considering the significant contract extension he signed prior to the season. However, as the weeks go by without updates from the organization, that prospect seems increasingly unlikely. Fantasy managers who anticipated Mixon’s contributions are advised to temper their hopes, as his absence appears to be a season-long reality rather than a mere setback.
The Texans remain hopeful that their current backfield can rise to the occasion, demonstrating promise in a challenging situation, and continue to adapt as they face the remainder of the season without their star running back.