Houston Texans open July 2025 camp with a major injury to RB Joe Mixon. See how Nick Chubb and a dominant defense are stepping up for the 2024 season.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The Houston Texans kicked off training camp with the kind of news no fan wants to hear: star running back Joe Mixon is sidelined for the foreseeable future. Just as the team looked to build on last season's playoff run, an 'extended' absence for their 1,000-yard rusher has sent a shockwave through the offense. But while the medical tent fills up, the defense is sending a message on the field, dominating early drills and reminding everyone that this team's grit is its greatest asset.
Joe Mixon is expected to miss an 'extended period' with a foot injury, leaving a significant hole in the Texans offense.
The biggest story out of camp is the health of Joe Mixon. After a stellar 2024 campaign where he rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns, Mixon has been placed on the Non-Football Injury list with a foot/ankle issue sustained in the offseason. Reports confirm he will miss the majority of the preseason and will be reevaluated closer to Week 1. This is a massive blow for an offense that was counting on him to be the bell cow.
With Mixon out and last year's starter Dameon Pierce also beginning camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, the Texans' running back depth is being tested immediately. Newly signed veteran Nick Chubb and Dare Ogunbowale have been taking the first-team reps, giving fans a glimpse of a potential new 1-2 punch. The team also has rookie Woody Marks waiting in the wings, and his performance in the preseason will now be under a microscope. The competition for carries just went from interesting to critical.
It's not all bad news in Houston. While the offense deals with injuries, DeMeco Ryans' defense is picking up right where it left off. In early sessions, the defense has been the clear winner, flying to the ball and making plays. Defensive back Jalen Pitre and defensive end Solomon Byrd have been particularly disruptive, while even rookie receiver Jaylin Noel has been making plays on the defensive side. This intensity is a welcome sight and shows the team's foundation remains strong.
Mixon isn't the only key player starting camp on the sidelines. The Texans opened with a lengthy injury list, placing DE Denico Autry, WR Tank Dell, DT Folorunso Fatukasi, and S Jimmie Ward on the PUP list. They are joined by backups Dameon Pierce, Derek Barnett, and Kurt Hinish. The most concerning of these is Dell, who is still recovering from a December 2024 knee injury and is the only one expected to remain on the PUP list into the regular season. The sheer volume of injuries to key contributors is a major hurdle to overcome.
Despite the injury bug, expectations remain high. The Texans are pegged with +110 odds to repeat as AFC South champions and +3500 odds to win the Super Bowl. After an impressive 10-7 season that ended in the Divisional round, the team is no longer a surprise. However, these injuries are the first major test of their status as contenders. To repeat their 5-1 divisional record and make a deeper playoff push, they'll need their depth to prove it can handle the pressure, starting now.
The first days of camp have thrown a major wrench into the Texans' plans, particularly in the backfield. How Houston navigates this early adversity will set the tone for the entire season. The upcoming preseason games just became must-watch TV, not for the starters we know, but for the depth pieces who are now thrust into the spotlight. The 'next man up' mentality is being tested from day one.
