After a 0-3 start and struggles in the O-line, the Houston Texans are entering the bye week with 2 back-to-back wins and a good reason to “reset,” as head coach DeMeco Ryans said. But for the last bit, the team must have its best weapons back in the field, running back Joe Mixon.

However, the Texans’ general manager, Nick Caserio, seemed to have an unconvincing response when asked about whether the player, who suffered a foot injury, is ready to return this season. “I can’t speak for the player,” he said. “About how he feels & where he is physically.”

This leaves a big question on whether he will return and when that can happen. This isn’t much different from Caserios’ comment from last August.

“We’ll take it one day at a time,” Caserio said about the player who started the season on PUP. “We’ll evaluate those players after four weeks and see where they are in their progression and then make a determination.”

Mixon began camp on the non-football injury list, with few updates provided on the injury’s specifics or a timeline for his return to the field. As of now, Mixon’s return isn’t imminent. His status should become clearer in the next three to four weeks, but it appears his absence could linger for the foreseeable future, potentially stretching into a season-long setback.

Now, Mixon isn’t the only one. Another player who has been hoping to make a comeback is wide receiver Tank Dell. Back in December, he dislocated his left kneecap and tore ligaments in the same knee. This is one of the worst injuries, but this hasn’t dampened his spirits.

Dell has continued to share messages on social media for his fans to wait and encouraging ones for his teammates to keep up. He racked up 98 catches for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns during his 25 NFL games. He is hoping for a comeback this year, even if a rehab process for injuries like his is lengthy.

While the exact timeline for Dell’s return remains unclear, one thing is certain that he’s focused and motivated. Fans can take comfort in knowing he’s fighting his way back and hasn’t let the injury break his dedication.

Now, the team will need all the help when it faces the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and the Denver Broncos. And Mixon, who had more than 1000 rushing yards and 10+ touchdowns, might be able to help. But it boils down to when he will be able to return to the field.

Nick Caserio shared a concerning update on Joe Mixon’s recovery

The team hasn’t revealed the severity of Mixon’s injury. Caserio has yet to specify the nature of Mixon’s injury. Just a few days ago, he was asked the same question. “In a few weeks, we’ll probably have a better idea,” Caserio told the reporters. “He’s making progress. I wouldn’t put a particular timetable on it. . . . Once we kinda get to that period, probably have a better sense of which way it’s gonna go for the duration of the year.”

His comment wasn’t exactly comforting. He said that it’s too early to set a definite timetable for his return. In Mixon’s absence, the Texans will have to rely heavily on running backs Nick Chubb and Woody Marks. So far, Chubb has racked up 249 yards and two touchdowns, while Marks has added 137 yards and one touchdown.

While they’ve stepped up admirably, the Texans will need the explosiveness and experience Mixon brings. In 14 games last season, Mixon rushed for 1,016 yards on 242 carries and scored 12 total touchdowns. The 2024 campaign marked just the third time in his career that he had surpassed 1,000 rushing yards and 10+ touchdowns in a single season, immediately establishing himself as a key contributor to the Texans’ offense.

Many predicted that he would be able to return by Week 4. However, Mixon will seemingly need more time.

For Texans fans, it’s a long road ahead as they hope Mixon can eventually get back to full health.

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