What happened to Joe Mixon? Explaining Texans RB’s recovery from season-long ‘freak’ foot injury

Few NFL story arcs in 2025 were as cryptic as the total disappearance of Joe Mixon.

After a stellar 1,016-yard debut for the Houston Texans in 2024, the Pro Bowl running back became a ghost, sidelined for the entire 2025 campaign by a "freak" foot injury that left fans and analysts alike in the dark. What began as a routine four-game stint on the injured reserve transformed into a season-long mystery, forcing Houston to navigate a deep playoff run without their primary offensive engine.

Now, as the 2026 offseason begins, the shroud of secrecy is finally lifting — but the news isn't necessarily what Texans fans were hoping for. With General Manager Nick Caserio recently disclosing a previously unannounced surgery and labeling Mixon’s status a "moving target," the bridge between the franchise and its star back appears to be crumbling.

Here is the truth behind the injury that cost Joe Mixon a year of his prime and why his time in Houston is likely coming to an end.

MORE: Jets trade rumor could lead to deal with Eagles or Texans

What happened to Joe Mixon?

After a productive 1,000-yard debut with the Texans in 2024, the Pro Bowl running back was placed on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list in July 2025. What was initially expected to be a short-term absence turned into a season-long vanishing act, as Mixon never appeared in a single game or practice for the duration of the 2025 campaign.

Throughout the year, the Texans remained remarkably tight-lipped, with Head Coach DeMeco Ryans and Caserio repeatedly describing the situation as "gray" and "ambiguous." Caserio eventually labeled the issue a "freak" medical condition involving his foot and ankle that occurred away from team activities. He went as far as to clarify that the injury didn't result from irresponsible behavior like "cliff diving or riding snowmobiles," but rather a unique condition that failed to heal with standard treatments, including electromagnetic therapy.

As of February 2026, new details have finally begun to emerge, though they point toward a likely split between the player and the franchise. During the NFL Scouting Combine, Caserio revealed that Mixon recently underwent surgery this offseason, though the GM admitted the situation remains a "moving target."

MORE: LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier blames disappointing senior season on secret injury

Will Joe Mixon play again?

Whether Mixon will play again remains one of the biggest question marks of the 2026 offseason.

Contractually, the situation points toward a likely departure from Houston. Mixon is due a non-guaranteed $8 million base salary in 2026, and the Texans can save approximately $8.5 million in cap space by releasing him. Insiders expect the team to part ways with the 29-year-old via a "failed physical" designation before the new league year begins in March.

If released, Mixon's ability to play for another team will depend entirely on his recovery from the recent surgery. With over 1,800 career carries and a full year away from the game, scouts have expressed doubt about his market value, but Mixon himself publicly pushed back against reports of his decline late last year.

MORE: Are the Texans eyeing a RB splash?

Will Texans part ways with Joe Mixon?

All signs point to a breakup. 

Caserio recently called Joe Mixon’s status a "moving target" and confirmed the veteran underwent offseason surgery after missing all of 2025 with a mysterious foot-and-ankle condition. Given that his $8 million salary for 2026 is non-guaranteed, the Texans are widely expected to release him with a "failed physical" designation to save roughly $8.5 million in cap space.

With Mixon’s future in doubt, the backfield now belongs to Woody Marks. The fourth-round breakout exceeded expectations as a rookie, finishing 2025 with over 700 rushing yards and proving he can handle a lead role.

While Houston will likely shop for a high-end free agent to complement him, Marks has clearly passed Mixon on the depth chart, making the veteran’s high cap hit an easy target for the chopping block.

MORE: Texans stand by C.J. Stroud after disastrous playoffs

Joe Mixon contract

Mixon is due an $8 million base salary for 2026, but because that money is not guaranteed, the Texans can release him and immediately clear $8 million to $8.5 million in cap space.

Cutting him would only leave behind $2 million in dead money from his initial signing bonus, making it one of the most effective ways for Houston to gain financial flexibility this offseason.

MORE: Texans rumor involving $25 million former Pro Bowler should interest other teams

Joe Mixon career stats