"It’s a very gray situation": Texans GM offers vague Joe Mixon return update as $25,500,000 RB nurses foot injury

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio has given a cryptic update on running back Joe Mixon’s injury. Mixon has been missing in action for the Texans throughout this season after picking up a non-football injury last offseason.

Concerns about the running back’s status have cast a lasting shadow on the Texans’ campaign this season. Caserio appeared on Payne and Pendergast on SportsRadio 610 as a guest on Tuesday. Among other discussions he had with the hosts of the show, Caserio addressed Mixon’s situation, which he described as “very gray.”

He said:

“It’s a very gray situation. Joe’s worked at it. There were times when he’s made progress and other times when the progress was kinda stalled. Obviously, we’re getting pretty late in the game here. I don’t want to establish any sort of expectations. I don’t think we have any more clarity at this point.”

JPA

@jasrifootball

𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Texans’ GM Nick Caserio speaks on star RB Joe Mixon possibly returning “It’s a very gray situation. Joe’s worked at it. There were times where he’s made progress and other times when the progress is kinda stalled. Obviously we’re getting pretty late in the game

Mixon was selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He remained with the Bengals until 2024, when he was traded to the Texans. He signed a three-year deal with the Texans with a $25.5 million base value and additional incentives adding up to $27 million.

Joe Mixon proved his worth in the 2024 campaign, finishing the season with 1,016 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 245 carries. He also garnered 36 receptions for 309 yards and a score.

He rushed for 106 yards and a score in the Texans’ win over the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.

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How Joe Mixon’s absence is affecting Texans’ offense

In Joe Mixon’s absence this season, the Texans have depended on Woody Marks and Nick Chubb for their running game. However, the two have struggled to find the kind of consistency that Mixon guaranteed the Texans’ offense last season.

Ahead of their Thursday game against the Buffalo Bills, the Texans rank 23rd in the league in rushing yards. So far this season, the team has only passed the 100-yard rushing mark in five games.

With Caserio’s update, the Texans seem set to ride out the remainder of the season without their prized running back. The team started this season with a three-game losing streak but has since begun a turnaround, approaching Week 12 with a 5-5 record.

Houston has won three of its last four games and will be looking to continue its hot form on Thursday when it faces the Bills.