Texans GM Nick Caserio gives uncertain update on Joe Mixon’s recovery, saying the team will know more “in a few weeks” as doubts grow over
The Houston Texans continue to navigate the season without star running back Joe Mixon, whose recovery from a lingering foot-ankle injury remains uncertain.
Although Mixon became eligible to return weeks ago, head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed that the veteran is still “not ready” to take the field, according to reporter Aaron Wilson. The outlook isn’t promising, and there’s growing concern within the organization that Mixon might not play at all in 2025.
It’s an unexpected setback for a player who was supposed to be a cornerstone of Houston’s offense. Mixon, 29, signed a three-year, $27 million extension in 2024 after a strong debut season with the Texans, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 12 total touchdowns.
His presence was expected to complement the new addition, Nick Chubb, and stabilize the team’s run game. Instead, the Texans have had to move forward without him.
According to a detailed report from Click 2 Houston, Mixon’s foot-ankle issue has been described by league sources as “tough and complicated.” Several insiders expressed doubt that he will play at all this season, noting that the injury required nonsurgical procedures over the offseason and has been slow to heal.
“One source said that the team isn’t counting on any contribution from Mixon this year,” the outlet reported.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio echoed that uncertainty during the team’s bye week press conference. When asked if Mixon could return this season, Caserio said clarity might not come for several more weeks.
“In a few weeks, we’ll probably have a better idea,” he said. “He’s making progress. I wouldn’t put a particular timetable on it. Once we kind of get to that period, we’ll probably have a better sense of which way it’s gonna go for the duration of the year.”
For now, Houston is leaning on four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks to carry the load. The Texans currently rank 16th in the NFL in rushing offense, respectable given their injury situation, and Ryans praised Marks after his standout performance in the 26-0 win over the Titans.
Mixon has been spotted in a walking boot earlier this year before transitioning to a lace-up brace over the summer, suggesting some progress but far from a full recovery.
He has reportedly sought multiple opinions and nonsurgical treatments to accelerate healing, but his timeline remains indefinite.
As the Texans prepare for the second half of the season, Caserio’s comments confirm what many already suspected — any return for Mixon in 2025 would be a surprise.
NFL SHOCKWAVE: 49ers Star Vows to Boycott Super Bowl Over Bad Bunny's Halftime Show
"THIS IS A DISASTER FOR FOOTBALL'S LEGACY!" – Mac Jones
In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones has vowed to boycott this year’s Super Bowl over the NFL's decision to feature reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny as the halftime show headliner. The controversial move has sparked an intense debate that could fundamentally reshape the future of the league’s most iconic event.
Jones, a player known for his commitment to the game and the tradition of football, expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the NFL’s choice in a powerful statement during a recent press conference. For Jones, this wasn’t just a music issue—it was a matter of preserving the integrity and legacy of the Super Bowl as a celebration of the sport.
“I’ve spent my whole career fighting for this game, for its history, its values, and its fans,” Jones said, his voice firm with conviction. “The Super Bowl is supposed to represent football—the athletes, the competition, the dedication. What we’re seeing now is a spectacle overshadowing what this game truly stands for. It’s not just about music, it’s about tradition.”
The NFL has long used the Super Bowl halftime show as a platform to feature some of the biggest names in music, a tradition that has brought together fans of all backgrounds. However, this year’s choice to include Bad Bunny, a global icon of reggaeton music, has drawn mixed reactions. For many fans, especially those who identify strongly with the roots of American football, it feels like a departure from the sport’s core values.
While Bad Bunny's performance is expected to draw in millions of viewers and continue the NFL's strategy of broadening its cultural appeal, Jones and other critics argue that the Super Bowl should remain a sacred space for showcasing the game and its athletes, not a stage for commercial entertainment. “The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of our sport, not a concert. If we’re going to continue to make these kinds of decisions, we risk losing the essence of what makes this sport so special,” Jones continued.
The quarterback's declaration has ignited a firestorm across social media, with supporters praising him for taking a stand on behalf of football culture. Others, however, have accused him of being out of touch with the global appeal that artists like Bad Bunny bring to the event. The debate has quickly transcended football, touching on broader conversations about the evolving role of sports in entertainment and culture.
In response to the backlash, the NFL has issued a statement defending its decision, highlighting Bad Bunny’s immense influence and the power of music to unite fans from all walks of life. “The Super Bowl halftime show has always been about inclusivity and cultural celebration,” the NFL spokesperson said. “Bad Bunny is one of the most influential artists of his generation, and we are proud to have him perform on football’s biggest stage.”
Despite the league’s defense, it’s clear that the controversy surrounding the decision is far from over. As the Super Bowl approaches, Jones’s stance is forcing the NFL to confront tough questions about its identity and the delicate balance between sport and spectacle. Will the NFL continue down this path, or will it listen to the concerns of its players and fans?
One thing is certain—this moment has revealed a growing divide within the NFL and its fan base. The future of the Super Bowl, as both a sporting event and a cultural phenomenon, could hinge on how the league responds to the increasing pressure to prioritize the sport over commercial interests.
