As the 2025 fantasy football season draws near, a devastating blow has hit the Houston Texans backfield, as the Joe Mixon injury has put a damper on draft plans. The Pro Bowl running back, who just produced a 1,000-yard season, is now inactive with an aggravating foot injury, placing him on the non-football injury list. 

Mixon is reportedly going to miss an extended amount of time and will be reassessed nearer to the beginning of the season, sending fantasy managers into a panic to alter plans. The Joe Mixon injury, coupled with the continuing rehabilitation of teammate Nick Chubb, has made the Texans' rushing attack a high-risk, high-reward fantasy play for the upcoming campaign.

 

The Effect of the Joe Mixon Injury

The Joe Mixon injury couldn't have happened at a worse time, mere days before the commencement of training camp on July 26, 2025. Mixon, having moved to the Texans in 2024, was set to be a foundation of both the team's offense and fantasy rosters after establishing his durability with steady production. Yet this recent setback—said to be a foot problem—brings into question his availability for the early-season schedule. Running backs are notorious for being susceptible to lower-body injuries, which tend to linger, particularly for an almost-30 player like Mixon with a history of ankle and knee problems.

Fantasy owners who had Mixon pegged as a mid-level RB1 or high-end RB2 now have a hole to fill. His absence creates an opportunity for other Texans running backs like Nick Chubb, Dameon Pierce, and rookie Woody Marks, although the depth chart is murky. With Mixon's availability in question, the backfield is now an area to avoid for early-round picks.

 

Nick Chubb ADP: A Late-Round Gem?

Amidst the uncertainty of the Joe Mixon injury, Nick Chubb becomes an intriguing late-round fantasy football draft target. The four-time Pro Bowler missed most of 2024 due to a foot injury, but recent news has him far along in his recovery. As of mid-2025, word is Chubb may be able to come back at around 85% capacity, which makes him a candidate for a steal in the later rounds, particularly if Mixon's absence bleeds into the regular season.

Chubb's past performance—averaging more than 1,200 rushing yards in healthy seasons—paired with his punishing running style, is a high-ceiling play. Fantasy rankings continue to place him outside the top 20 running backs, echoing caution because of his injury history. Yet, if Chubb can regain even 75% of his old self, he has the potential to outplay his draft position, especially in PPR leagues where his goal-line carries and sporadic receptions provide additional value. Targeting Chubb late in drafts—preferably in Rounds 8-10—is a calculated gamble with a potentially enormous reward, especially if the Texans rely on him to fill the void left by the Joe Mixon injury.

 

Texans Depth Chart Options: Chubb, Pierce, and Marks

Aside from Chubb, the Texans' depth chart offers other names to keep an eye on. Former third-round pick Dameon Pierce has flashed his physical running ability at times, but injuries and uneven usage have capped his role. With Mixon potentially out, Pierce might experience increased carries, making him a speculative deeper league add. Rookie fourth-round pick Woody Marks in 2025 has college production in the form of more than 2,600 rushing yards in his last season, and his profile as a pass-catching back gives him intrigue. Although Marks' lack of experience limits his immediate upside, he could develop into a flex option with opportunity. Collectively, Chubb, Pierce, and Marks are worth monitoring, but each of their roles will be Mixon's recovery timeline.

 

Fantasy Football Draft Strategy

The Joe Mixon injury necessitates a shift in draft strategy. Managers who were relying on Mixon as a set-and-forget RB2 should now emphasize depth at the running back position, focusing on a combination of established veterans and breakout candidates. Chubb's availability in the late rounds makes him a perfect pivot, but securing him alongside a stable RB1 such as Derrick Henry or Saquon Barkley early will reduce risk. Further, keeping an eye on Mixon's reevaluation timeline—projected nearer to Week 1—through injury updates will be important. Should Mixon return earlier than anticipated, his value may rebound, but for the time being, the emphasis shifts to Chubb, Pierce, and Marks.

The Joe Mixon injury has thrown a wrench into fantasy football preparations, but it also opens the door for opportunistic plays like Nick Chubb. As a late-round target, Chubb’s recovery progress and potential workload make him a sleeper hit for 2025, especially in leagues valuing depth and upside. With Dameon Pierce and Woody Marks adding depth chart intrigue, staying agile with waiver wire moves and injury updates will be key. For now, keep an eye on Chubb’s rehab and prepare for a dynamic draft day where the Joe Mixon injury could redefine your roster’s success.

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