HOUSTON – The Houston Texans have released veteran running back Joe Mixon, the team announced Friday. The 29-year-classic Mixon missed the entire 2025 season due to a foot injury, an issue that ultimately led to his departure from the organization.
According to a source who spoke with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Mixon requested his release on Thursday, and the Texans granted it, designating the release as a non-football injury designation. This move frees up $8 million in cap space for Houston, as they look to reshape their running back room.
Mixon joined the Texans in 2024 and enjoyed a productive first season with the team, rushing for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games. That performance earned him Pro Bowl honors, marking the second time in his career he’d received the distinction. Prior to arriving in Houston, Mixon spent seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.
The foot injury, the specifics of which the Texans never publicly disclosed, hampered Mixon throughout the offseason. He was unable to participate in offseason workouts and training camp, and was ultimately placed on the non-football injury list, sidelining him for at least the first four games of the season. Despite hopes for a return, the injury never fully healed.
Texans’ Rushing Attack Struggled Without Mixon
In Mixon’s absence, the Texans relied on a combination of rookie Woody Marks and free agent acquisition Nick Chubb. Marks led the team with 703 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Chubb added 506 yards and three touchdowns. However, the Texans’ ground game as a whole struggled, finishing 22nd in the league with just 108 rushing yards per game. It became clear that bolstering the running back position was a priority for the team.
To address the demand for improvement in the running game, the Texans recently acquired David Montgomery in a trade with the Detroit Lions. This move signals the team’s commitment to establishing a more consistent and effective rushing attack.
Mixon’s journey to the NFL began in 2017 when he was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals. He quickly established himself as a key player for the Bengals, becoming a consistent threat both as a runner and a receiver. After seven seasons in Cincinnati, he was traded to the Texans, where he signed a three-year contract worth $27 million, with $13 million guaranteed.
While his time in Houston was ultimately cut short by the foot injury, Mixon’s contributions during the 2024 season will be remembered. His ability to make explosive plays and consistently gain yards made him a valuable asset to the Texans’ offense. The team now turns its attention to Montgomery and Marks, hoping they can form a dynamic duo in the backfield.
The release of Mixon marks a significant change for the Texans’ offense as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team will be looking to build on the foundation laid in 2024 and take their running game to the next level with the addition of Montgomery and the continued development of Marks. The Texans will need a strong running game to support quarterback C.J. Stroud and compete in the AFC.
The Texans’ general manager, Nick Caserio, recently emphasized the team’s commitment to Stroud, indicating that the organization is focused on building a team that can support their young quarterback’s success. A strong running game will be crucial to achieving that goal.
The team’s next steps will involve evaluating their options at other positions and continuing to build through the draft and free agency. The Texans are determined to build a competitive roster that can contend for a playoff berth in the coming years.
The Texans will open the 2026 season against the Indianapolis Colts on September 13th at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM EDT (17:00 UTC).
Fans can stay up-to-date on the latest Texans news and updates by visiting the team’s official website or following them on social media.
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