Preseason Setback: Texans Running Back Joe Mixon To Miss Majority Of Games

David

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Post on Jul 28, 2025

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Preseason Setback: Texans Running Back Joe Mixon Faces Lengthy Absence

Houston, TX – The Houston Texans have suffered a significant blow to their offense before the regular season even begins. Veteran running back Joe Mixon, acquired during the offseason to bolster their ground game, is expected to miss the majority of the 2023-2024 season due to a significant injury sustained during training camp.

The team announced late Tuesday that Mixon suffered a Lisfranc injury to his left foot, a serious injury requiring surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period. While the Texans haven't officially released a specific timeline for his return, sources close to the team suggest he'll be sidelined for at least 8-10 weeks, potentially longer depending on his recovery progress. This effectively rules him out for a considerable portion of the regular season.

A Crushing Blow for the Texans' Offensive Strategy

Mixon's absence is a devastating setback for the Texans, who were banking on his experience and proven ability to improve their struggling rushing attack. His signing was a key move in Head Coach DeMeco Ryans' plan to establish a more balanced offense. Now, the team must rely on a less experienced backfield, forcing a significant readjustment to their game plan.

The injury also throws a wrench into the team's overall expectations for the season. Many analysts predicted a modest improvement for the Texans in 2023, with Mixon's contributions playing a crucial role in that projection. His absence significantly lowers their chances of exceeding those expectations.

Who Steps Up in Mixon's Absence?

With Mixon out, the spotlight now shines on the Texans' other running backs. Rookie Dameon Pierce, who showed flashes of brilliance last season, will likely be thrust into a much larger role, carrying the primary load. The team may also look to veteran free agents or bolster their backfield depth through trades before the regular season starts. This situation presents a crucial opportunity for these players to prove their worth and contribute significantly to the team's success.

Key Questions Facing the Texans:

• Can Dameon Pierce handle the increased workload? His performance will be crucial to the Texans' success this season.
• Will the Texans explore the free agent market or make trades to add depth at running back? Strengthening the position is a pressing need.
• How will the Texans' offensive game plan adapt to Mixon's absence? Adaptability will be key to navigating this challenge.

The next few weeks will be crucial for the Texans as they evaluate their options and strategize their approach to the season without their star running back. This unexpected setback highlights the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the importance of depth and adaptability within a team.

Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops. What are your thoughts on the Texans' situation? Share your predictions in the comments below!

(Related Articles: [Link to article about Dameon Pierce's 2022 season], [Link to article about Lisfranc injuries in NFL players])