Joe Mixon to Miss First Four Games of the Season for Texans

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon will not be activated from the non-football injury list by the deadline on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. This decision means he will be sidelined for at least the first four games of the 2024 NFL season due to an ankle injury sustained during the offseason. Mixon, who turned 29 this year, had a standout performance in 2023, rushing for 1,016 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns, which earned him a place in the Pro Bowl during his inaugural season with the Texans.

As the Texans prepare for the upcoming season, they are taking proactive steps to mitigate the impact of Mixon’s absence. The team signed four-time Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb, who previously played for the Cleveland Browns, and also selected running back Woody Marks from USC in the fourth round of the April 2024 NFL Draft. These additions are aimed at strengthening the team’s backfield and ensuring they remain competitive while Mixon recovers.

Mixon’s injury places significant pressure on the Texans’ offense, which had relied heavily on his abilities last season. With Chubb’s extensive experience and proven track record, the Texans hope to maintain their offensive momentum. Coach DeMeco Ryans expressed confidence in the team’s depth at the running back position, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in the face of injuries.

The Texans’ first game of the season is set for September 10, 2024, against the Jacksonville Jaguars. As they prepare for this matchup, the absence of Mixon will undoubtedly be felt, but the team remains focused on their objectives for the season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Texans adjust to this setback and whether Chubb and Marks can fill the void left by Mixon.

This situation serves as a reminder of the physical demands of professional football and the challenges teams face in managing player health. The Texans will need to navigate these early-season hurdles carefully to position themselves for a successful campaign.