The NFL preseason has arrived, and fantasy football drafts are heating up. Staying on top of the injury landscape is vital for managers as they plan for the first few weeks.
Running back Joe Mixon’s foot has become a worry for the Houston Texans after a frustrating, non-football injury has kept him out of all team activities. What is his current status, and what can fantasy managers expect if he’s sidelined to start the season?
Joe Mixon Injury Update
Joe Mixon has been plagued by lower-leg issues for several seasons, including a significant Lisfranc foot injury that cut short his 2020 campaign and recurring ankle sprains since. This summer, he suffered another setback while training away from the team, resulting in an injury unrelated to football activity.
Mixon was placed on the Texans’ non-football injury list before camp started and has yet to participate in a single practice, missing OTAs, minicamp, and every training camp session so far. Even as training camp winds down, the team is still taking a conservative approach.
Despite some improvement — including Mixon finally ditching the walking boot for an ankle brace — he has not taken the field and hasn’t had live reps with his teammates in months.
When discussing Mixon’s outlook, head coach DeMeco Ryans said, “Nothing’s changed with Joe. He’s still training, and we’ll bring him back when the time is right.”
The Texans continue to express hope he’ll be ready to suit up for their season opener against the Rams, but every report from Houston makes it clear that is far from a guarantee. There is growing concern that Mixon’s absence may last into September, with a real risk of him being eased in slowly or missing some early-season action.
Evan Washburn joins Amanda Guerra to discuss Texans RB Joe Mixon missing the preseason with a foot injury.
— 247Sports (@247Sports) August 5, 2025
When Mixon does return, it will mark his first full-speed work since last winter. That layoff adds an extra layer of concern for a 29-year-old running back whose role is built on rhythm and short-area quickness.
Joe Mixon Fantasy Outlook
Drafting injured players always carries risk, and Mixon is no exception. With no practices to date and real questions about his health and conditioning, managers should only select him at a steep discount, well below his normal ADP.
For most, the best approach is to fade Mixon and focus on healthy running backs who will not need several weeks just to regain their pre-injury workload.
The uncertainty surrounding Mixon elevates Nick Chubb, who was signed to provide veteran depth but has thus far looked like a shadow of his former self. Chubb enters 2025 two years removed from a devastating knee injury.
He struggled to regain his explosiveness last season, managing only 3.3 yards per carry, and then suffered a foot injury that ended his season. Still, he’s likely to see significant early-down volume by default for as long as Mixon is sidelined, even if he no longer provides breakaway speed.
RELATED: What Happened to Joe Mixon? Breaking Down the Star RB’s Injury in Training Camp
Behind Chubb, rookie Woody Marks is the intriguing name for fantasy managers. Houston traded up to nab him in the fourth round, and he’s already impressed coaches with his vision and hands out of the backfield.
If Chubb falters or Mixon’s absence drags into October, Marks has a real chance to force his way into a timeshare or even lead the team in touches some weeks. He is a strong late-round flier with more PPR appeal than Chubb.
Should Mixon return, he is projected to reclaim the lead role thanks to his proven productivity and the absence of a true challenger. But the window for heavy early-season volume is shrinking, and weeks of missed reps could lead to slow starts or even setbacks.
Ultimately, Mixon’s injury history and lack of meaningful practice make him a risky investment who needs to fall well past his normal range in drafts. Chubb will collect touches by default, but should be viewed as only a volume RB3/flex option given his steep decline. Woody Marks is the upside stash, especially in deeper leagues and PPR formats.
Watch Houston’s updates carefully as September approaches, and consider prioritizing backs with fewer question marks until the dust settles on Mixon’s status.
