Texans RB Joe Mixon (foot/ankle) to start season on NFI list

Field Level Media|published: Mon 25th August, 16:32 2025

Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) runs the ball in for a touchdown against Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill (23) during the third quarter of a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Houston Texans will not activate veteran running back Joe Mixon from the non-football injury list by Tuesday's deadline.

Mixon, who's dealing with a lingering foot/ankle injury, and players on the NFI list -- as opposed to the 53-man roster -- are ineligible for the first four games of the regular season.

The team announced the decision Monday afternoon, only adding in a statement that further updates would be provided "at an appropriate time."

Mixon, 29, hasn't practiced and Houston signed Nick Chubb in June expecting to be part of a timeshare with Mixon. Chubb, 29, would be in line for the bulk of the backfield work and ex-starter Dameon Pierce also stands to gain.

The Texans acquired Mixon from the Cincinnati Bengals in March 2024 via trade. His first season in Houston was successful. Mixon made his second Pro Bowl after he played 14 games (all starts) and rushed 245 times for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns. He added 36 receptions for 309 yards and one score.

Former AFC North rivals, the Bengals drafted Mixon with the 48th overall pick in 2019, one year after the Cleveland Browns selected Chubb (35th).

Reports indicated Mixon, who wore a walking boot in the spring, initially suffered his injury while away from the Texans this offseason.

--Field Level Media

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