The Houston Texans will begin their highly anticipated season facing a significant hurdle in their backfield. Star running back Joe Mixon is set to miss at least the first four games after the team decided not to activate him from the non-football injury (NFI) list before the league’s roster deadline. Mixon has been dealing with an ankle injury sustained away from the team during the offseason.
This development forces an immediate shuffle in the Texans’ offensive plans, which were built around the dynamic running back who was brilliant in his first year with the team. In the 2024 season, Mixon rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns, providing a potent ground attack to complement quarterback C.J. Stroud’s aerial prowess. According to league rules, a player remaining on the NFI list after the final roster cutdown is ineligible to practice or play for the first four weeks of the regular season.
With Mixon sidelined, the rushing duties will now primarily fall to Nick Chubb, a high-profile free-agent acquisition from the Cleveland Browns. While Chubb brings a history of elite production, there are questions about his ability to carry the full load following a significant injury last season. He will be supported by a committee of backs, including Dameon Pierce, who now has a clearer path to a significant role. Pierce, who graded out well last season, could see substantial work alongside Chubb. The backfield is further rounded out by passing-down specialist Dare Ogunbowale and promising fourth-round rookie Woody Marks, who has impressed during the preseason.
The uncertainty at running back is not the only recent change to the Texans’ offensive depth chart. On Sunday, August 17, 2025, the team executed a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, sending wide receiver John Metchie III to Philadelphia in exchange for tight end Harrison Bryant. The deal also included a swap of future day-three draft picks, as reported by ESPN.
The trade addresses needs for both teams. For the Texans, it helps clear a logjam in a deep wide receiver room that features Nico Collins, newly acquired Christian Kirk, and rookie Jayden Higgins. Metchie, a 2022 second-round pick, now gets a fresh start in Philadelphia. His journey is particularly inspiring; after being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia and missing his entire rookie season, he made a courageous comeback. His perseverance was recognized with the 2024 George Halas Award. In two seasons with Houston, Metchie recorded 40 receptions for 412 yards and one touchdown.
In return, Houston adds depth to its tight end position with Harrison Bryant. He joins a group led by starter Dalton Schultz and rookie Cade Stover. Bryant, originally a fourth-round pick in 2020, spent last season with the Las Vegas Raiders and provides another experienced option for Stroud. The move comes as tight end Brevin Jordan was placed on the Injured Reserve list.
While the Texans navigate these early-season challenges, the team remains anchored by C.J. Stroud at quarterback and a formidable defense led by stars like Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. However, the team’s depth will be tested immediately as they prepare for their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, forcing them to adapt their offensive strategy without one of their key playmakers.
