Photo: Jamie Squire / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
The Houston Texans are placing Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon on the non-football injury list for the start of training camp, according to SportTalk790's Aaron Wilson. He's expected to return before the start of the regular season, but there's no timetable on when he could start practicing wit C.J. Stroud and newly acquired Pro Bowl rusher Nick Chubb.
Mixon, who signed a three-year extension worth $27 million last offseason, has been dealing with a foot injury since the start of summer workouts. He did not partake in drills the team during OTAs or mandatory minicamp last month.
A former Pro Bowler with the Cincinnati Bengals, Mixon inked a three-year extension worth $27 million ahead of the 2024 season following his trade in March. In his first season with the franchise, he rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns, helping Houston secure its second AFC South division title under DeMeco Ryans.
On pace to eclipse over 1,300 yards, Mixon was limited to 14 games due to an ankle injury suffered in Week 2's win over the Chicago Bears. Houston's run game was limited during Mixon's absence, which played a factor in signing Chubb earlier this summer.
The Texans should be able to manage without Mixon for the start of training camp, with a trio of runners looking to expand their roles. Chubb, a four-time Pro Bowler from Cleveland, is expected to compete for second-team reps with former starter Dameon Pierce, who also will miss the start of camp on the PUP list.
The Texans open the regular season on Sept. 7 against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.