Ian Rapoport Drops Shocking New Details on Joe Mixon’s Future – What It Means for the Team

So here we are again, watching the Houston Texans’ backfield shuffle like a deck missing its ace—Joe Mixon. Now, I’ve gotta ask: Can you really call it a running game without the guy who made defenses shuffle sideways? Mixon’s been sidelined all season with that gnarly offseason foot injury, and NFL insider Ian Rapoport just dropped the grim update: Joe’s not touching the field this year. I mean, sure, Nick Chubb and Woody Marks have been holding down the fort, but let’s be honest—they’re not exactly throwing wildfire through the Texans’ offense. Mixon accounted for those game-breaking runs last season, hitting triple digits more than half the time and making playoff defenses sweat. Without him, Houston’s offense feels like a well-oiled machine that’s suddenly lost its grease. It’s a massive blow, no two ways about it, and with the playoff clock ticking down, the question is: Can the Texans rally and find a new rhythm, or are they dancing around a dream that’s fading fast? Sit tight—this one’s just getting juicy.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 25: Joe Mixon #28 of the Houston Texans warms up prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. — (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

The Houston Texans‘ running game has been stuck in the mud this season. Nick Chubb and Woody Marks have split the workload evenly, but something is missing in this backfield.

Chubb and Marks have been reliable, but neither has been able to adequately fill the void left by Joe Mixon, who has been out all year with an injury.

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport recently revealed a major update about Mixon and his status.

“Texans RB Joe Mixon is not expected to play this season as he deals with a foot injury from the offseason. Mixon likely remains on the physically unable to perform list through the season. Meanwhile, Houston moves forward with Nick Chubb and Woody Marks,” Rapoport wrote on X.

Sources: #Texans RB Joe Mixon is not expected to play this season as he deals with a foot injury from the offseason.

Mixon likely remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list through the season. Meanwhile, Houston moves forward with Nick Chubb and Woody Marks. pic.twitter.com/gr7E4QSIEO

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 20, 2025

This isn’t shocking news considering how rare and ominous the updates surrounding Mixon’s injury have been over the past few months, but it’s still a huge blow to this offense. Houston isn’t showing much explosiveness, and now it will have to go the rest of the way knowing that one of its biggest playmakers isn’t coming back.

Mixon had more than 100 yards in seven of his 14 games last season and ran for 194 yards and two touchdowns in Houston’s two playoff games. Chubb and Marks have failed to reach at least 70 yards in any game this season.

Mixon’s presence in this offense can’t be replaced, but the Texans are going to have to find ways to cope. There isn’t much time left to make a playoff push, but they can take a big step with a Week 12 victory against the Buffalo Bills on “Thursday Night Football.”

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