The Houston Texans cut Joe Mixon after a ‘freak’ foot injury wiped out his season

By Canadian Press on March 6, 2026.

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans released running back Joe Mixon on Friday after he missed all of last season with what general manager Nick Caserio called a “freak” foot injury.

Mixon had one year remaining on a three-year, $27 million contract extension he signed after joining the Texans following seven years with the Bengals.

The move comes after the Texans traded for Detroit running back David Montgomery on Monday.

The Texans provided few details on the 29-year-old Mixon’s recovery throughout last season after announcing in training camp that he sustained a foot injury away from the facility in the offseason.

The Texans reached the divisional round of the playoffs for a third straight season, but their offense took a major hit with Mixon out. His ran for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first season with the team in 2024.

With Mixon out, the Texans relied on rookie Woody Marks and Nick Chubb. Marks, a fourth-round pick, led the team with 703 yards rushing and Chubb added 506 yards. The Texans struggled to run the ball in their loss to New England in the playoffs, managing only 48 yards rushing.

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Kristie Rieken, The Associated Press