HOUSTON, TX — The Houston Texans have officially released running back Joe Mixon, a two-time Pro Bowler, after he missed the entire 2025 season due to a persistent foot injury. The team granted Mixon's request for release on Thursday, March 6, 2026, a move confirmed by league sources. The club designated the release as a non-football injury.
The specifics surrounding Mixon's injury remain largely undisclosed by the team. He sustained the ailment during the offseason leading into the 2025 season, subsequently missing all team activities, including workouts and training camp. Despite initial hopes for his return, the foot condition never sufficiently healed.
The departure of Mixon, 29, coincides with the Texans' acquisition of running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions earlier in the week, signaling a significant shift in the team's backfield strategy. Mixon entered the 2025 season with expectations following a productive 2024 campaign where he amassed 1,016 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.
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A Season of Absence
Mixon's 2025 season was entirely sidelined by the undisclosed foot problem. He was placed on the non-football injury list, which accounts for his absence from team games. The Texans, navigating Mixon's unavailability, relied on other backs, with rookie Woody Marks and veteran Nick Chubb carrying the load. Marks led the team in rushing with 703 yards, followed by Chubb with 506 yards in the 2025 season.
The team provided minimal details regarding Mixon's recovery throughout the year, with the injury being characterized only as a "freak" or "mysterious" occurrence away from the facility. This lack of transparency has fueled speculation about the nature and severity of the issue that kept him sidelined for an entire playing year.
Background: Mixon's Tenure and Free Agency
Mixon, who previously played for the Cincinnati Bengals, spent two seasons with the Texans. His 2024 performance was a notable highlight in his tenure with the team. His release now places him in the pool of ' NFL Free Agents ' as the new league year approaches on March 11, 2026. He joins other notable backs like Nick Chubb in free agency. The team's transaction comes just days before the ' NFL Legal Tampering Period ' commences on March 9.
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