Texans running back Joe Mixon will miss at least the first four games of the 2023 season due to an ankle injury. The team has not activated him from the non-football injury list by the Tuesday deadline, making him ineligible to play for the time being.
Mixon, who was acquired by the Texans in a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022, has been a key component of the team’s offense. His absence will be felt in the early part of the season, as the team looks to adjust its playbook without his dynamic rushing ability.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans has expressed confidence in the team’s depth at running back, citing the contributions of players like Dameon Barber and Ito Smith. However, the loss of Mixon could impact the Texans’ offensive strategy, particularly in games where the team needs to establish a strong ground game in the first quarter.
The injury has raised concerns about Mixon’s long-term availability, though the team has not yet released any official comments regarding the severity of the injury or the expected timeline for his return. As the season progresses, the Texans will need to evaluate whether Mixon can remain on the field throughout the season or if he will require additional time to recover.