Texans Turn to Backfield Committee as Mixon Remains Out With Foot-Ankle Injury

Mixon’s absence on the NFI list has forced Houston to rely on a backfield committee featuring Nick Chubb; Dameon Pierce; Dare Ogunbowale; rookie Woody Marks for the season opener.

Overview

Joe Mixon remains on the Texans’ non-football injury list throughout training camp with no clear timetable for his return.
He has progressed in his rehab from a walking boot to a brace but shows no indication of reaching full practice readiness before Week 1.
Houston plans to open the season with a committee backfield rotation led by Nick Chubb alongside Dameon Pierce, Dare Ogunbowale and Woody Marks.
Missing crucial reps under new offensive coordinator Nick Caley complicates Mixon’s ability to step seamlessly into the scheme if he is cleared later.
Fantasy analysts, including Jeff Mueller, have removed Mixon from 2025 draft boards, citing uncertainty around his short-term availability and workload.