DeMeco Ryans Clears Misconceptions About Injured Joe Mixon After Revealing Recovery Timeline

“Are you really concerned about our guys, or are you just trying to get something out there?” That was Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans firing back when pressed about Joe Mixon’s status. The Pro Bowl running back expected to anchor the Texans’ ground game in 2025 has instead become the subject of swirling speculation. A “frustrating” non-football injury landed him on the sidelines, and the rumor mill wasted no time declaring him done for the year. But step inside Houston’s locker room, and the tone is far from panic.

DeMeco Ryans put an end to the rumors on August 28. “Joe has played a lot of football and whenever that time comes for Joe to be back and get back in the fold, it won’t be anything revolutionary that he hasn’t seen before, he hasn’t done from the football perspective.” That’s right! And, the coach didn’t stop there. “Joe is an outstanding football player. So, whenever that time comes, I feel like he’ll have a very easy transition back to football.” 

That confidence isn’t misplaced. Joe Mixon has been a model of consistency throughout his career. His résumé speaks for itself: 7,428 rushing yards, 60 rushing touchdowns, 2,448 receiving yards, and two Pro Bowl selections. Out of eight seasons, he’s crossed the 1,000-yard rushing mark five times. When healthy, Mixon is a proven difference-maker, and Ryans knows he still has that weapon in his arsenal. So, when will fans see him back? Ryans offered a  perspective rather than a hard date, saying, 

“My expectation is, for Joe, we’re taking it one day at a time and when he’s ready to be back, he’ll be back.” That approach might feel vague to outsiders, but it’s more about Houston’s priority: long-term health over short-term desperation. And yet, the situation isn’t just about Mixon’s on-field presence or their locker room culture. It carries financial stakes, too. 

Every game he misses costs him nearly $30,000 in roster bonuses, and even his $7 million base salary isn’t guaranteed with those weekly checks hanging in the balance. On top of that, there’s the risk of defaulting on his signing bonus, with $2 million tied to 2025 still hanging over him. But for Mixon, these hurdles aren’t new. He’s battled through injuries multiple times during his eight-year career, many of them involving his lower body. Here’s a quick timeline of his major setbacks:

• 2017: Suffered a concussion in Week 13 against the Steelers, missed two games while in concussion protocol.

• 2018: Underwent arthroscopic knee surgery after Week 2 (Ravens), returned three weeks later.

• 2020: Season-ending foot injury in Week 6 (Colts), missed the remainder of the year.

• 2021: Sustained two ankle sprains, but played through them without missing time.

• 2022: Missed two games after his second career concussion (again vs. Steelers).

• 2024: Missed three games early in the season due to an ankle injury caused by a suspected hip-drop tackle.

 Houston has finished back-to-back seasons at 10-7, claiming the AFC South title, and Ryans remains confident in their postseason prospects. Keeping Mixon out of the spotlight and away from unnecessary pressure is part of that plan.