Texans Place RB Joe Mixon on Non-Football Injury List Ahead of Training Camp

The Houston Texans have placed veteran running back Joe Mixon on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list just days before the start of full training camp, the team announced Thursday morning. The move raises questions about Mixon’s immediate availability and has sparked speculation about the nature of the issue that sidelined the former Pro Bowl back.

The team did not disclose details about the injury, but sources familiar with the situation say it is not believed to be serious or season-threatening. The NFI designation typically covers injuries or conditions that arise outside of team-organized activities, including offseason training incidents, personal matters, or lingering health issues.

Mixon, 28, was acquired by the Texans in a high-profile trade with the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this offseason and was expected to play a significant role in Houston’s revamped offense under second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud. Seen as a reliable three-down back with pass-catching ability and veteran experience, Mixon was poised to become the focal point of the Texans’ running game following the departure of Devin Singletary.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans addressed the move during a brief media session. “We’re just being cautious,” Ryans said. “Joe’s dealing with something we want to give him time to fully recover from. He’s been in meetings, staying engaged, and we expect him back soon.”

While the NFI list doesn’t prevent a player from returning during camp, it does restrict participation in practices until the player is medically cleared. Teams can activate players off the list at any time.

For now, the Texans will likely lean on Dameon Pierce and rookie Keilan Robinson to handle the bulk of running back duties during early camp sessions. Pierce, who showed promise during his rookie season in 2023, could see an expanded role depending on the length of Mixon’s absence.

Mixon is coming off a solid 2024 campaign with the Bengals, in which he rushed for 975 yards and scored 10 total touchdowns. He was viewed as a strong locker-room presence and a key addition to help Houston make a playoff push in 2025 after their surprise Wild Card run last season.

Fan reaction to the news has been mixed. While some are concerned about Mixon’s long-term durability, others remain optimistic. “As long as it’s not a torn ACL or something surgical, I’m not panicking,” one fan tweeted. “Rest him now, unleash him Week 1.”

The Texans open their preseason schedule on August 9 against the Minnesota Vikings, and it remains unclear whether Mixon will be active for that game. For now, the team appears to be taking a cautious, measured approach.

With expectations rising in Houston following a breakout season, the health and availability of key veterans like Joe Mixon will be crucial as the Texans aim to contend in a highly competitive AFC South.