Texans' Star Joe Mixon Sidelined for Preseason with Ankle Injury

As the NFL training camps kick off with the usual fanfare, and the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers gear up for their preseason clash on July 31 in Canton, Ohio, there’s a cloud hanging over the Houston Texans. Star running back Joe Mixon is likely to be sidelined for the entire preseason due to a nagging ankle injury that just won’t let up.

Mixon, a two-time Pro Bowler, has been plagued by this ankle issue for a while now, and it’s kept him off the field during minicamp. He’s started training camp on the non-football injury list, with further evaluations expected closer to the regular season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on September 7. This isn’t a new battle for the 29-year-old; ankle troubles have haunted him in previous seasons, costing him games in 2024 and even ending his 2020 season early with a foot injury.

Despite these setbacks, Mixon’s talent shines through. Last year, he powered his way to 1,016 rushing yards, notched 11 touchdowns on the ground, and added a receiving score to his tally. But with history repeating itself, the Texans are taking no chances. They’ve bolstered their running back depth by signing All-Pro Nick Chubb and drafting Woody Marks in the fourth round this offseason.

As the Texans prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings in their preseason opener on August 9, all eyes will be on how they manage without Mixon’s dynamic presence. Here’s hoping this isn’t another long chapter in his injury saga, because the NFL is always better with players like him tearing up the turf.