Texans RB Joe Mixon's Ankle Injury: Out For Most Of Preseason

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Post on Jul 28, 2025

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Texans RB Joe Mixon's Ankle Injury: Out for Most of Preseason

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon will miss the majority of the preseason due to a high ankle sprain, a significant blow to the team's preparations for the upcoming season. The injury, sustained during training camp, raises concerns about Mixon's readiness for the regular season opener and casts a shadow over the Texans' offensive strategy.

The severity of the injury was confirmed by head coach DeMeco Ryans on Tuesday, who stated that Mixon would be sidelined for "several weeks," effectively ruling him out of most, if not all, of the preseason games. While the team remains optimistic about his recovery, the timeline casts doubt on his participation in any exhibition contests. This absence presents a challenge for the coaching staff, limiting opportunities to evaluate Mixon's integration into the new offensive scheme and hindering his development of chemistry with the team's quarterbacks.

Impact on the Texans' Offense and Preseason Plans

Mixon's injury significantly alters the Texans' preseason plans. With their starting running back sidelined, the team will rely heavily on other backs like Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary to shoulder the load during preseason games. This increased workload provides valuable experience for these players, but it also increases the risk of injury. The extended absence also impacts the team's ability to refine their offensive plays designed specifically for Mixon's skill set.

The coaching staff will need to adapt their strategies to accommodate Mixon’s absence. Expect to see more emphasis on the passing game during the preseason to compensate for the lack of a consistent ground attack. This necessitates more reps for backup quarterbacks and a greater focus on developing their rapport with the receiving corps.

The Road to Recovery and Regular Season Readiness

The timeline for Mixon's full recovery remains uncertain. High ankle sprains are notoriously tricky, and the recovery period can vary greatly depending on individual factors. While the Texans are keeping their cards close to their chest, the focus will be on ensuring Mixon is fully healed and ready for Week 1. This likely involves a tailored rehabilitation program that prioritizes strengthening and stability, minimizing the risk of re-injury.

The Texans' medical staff will closely monitor Mixon's progress, employing advanced diagnostics to ensure he is healing properly. This data-driven approach will inform decisions regarding his return to practice and ultimately, his readiness for the regular season.

Looking Ahead: Preseason Opportunities and Roster Decisions

Mixon's injury provides other players on the Texans roster a valuable opportunity to showcase their abilities and potentially solidify their place on the team. The preseason games will be crucial in identifying reliable backups and evaluating the overall depth of the running back position. This unexpected challenge forces the Texans to further scrutinize their roster and may influence decisions related to potential roster cuts and additions before the regular season begins. The coming weeks will be critical for determining the Texans’ overall offensive readiness for the upcoming season.

Keywords: Joe Mixon, Houston Texans, NFL, ankle injury, high ankle sprain, preseason, Dameon Pierce, Devin Singletary, DeMeco Ryans, running back, injury update, NFL news, football injury

Call to Action (subtle): Stay tuned to [Insert reputable sports news source here] for the latest updates on Joe Mixon's recovery and the Houston Texans' preseason performance.