Nick Caserio’s latest comments on Joe Mixon — and why I’m not panicking
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio joined Payne & Pendergast on Sports Radio 610 this morning and was asked about the status of starting running back Joe Mixon. While Caserio didn’t provide much in terms of new details, his comments at least offered a small window into where things stand.
“No change. Joe’s kinda still working through it… take it one day at a time… once we get a little bit closer probably have a better idea of where he’s gonna be. Joe’s working hard, trying to get himself back ready to go,” Caserio said.
Why This Matters
This has been a storyline followed closely not just by Texans fans, but also by NFL and fantasy football fans across the country. Mixon was acquired last offseason and quickly became one of the most pivotal pieces of Houston’s offense. In a unit that often struggled, his presence was a difference-maker. The impact was especially clear when he missed time with a high ankle sprain—games without him highlighted just how much the Texans leaned on his production. His health and availability remain crucial as the team looks to find more balance around quarterback C.J. Stroud in 2025.
The Timeline So Far
The speculation really began when Mixon was spotted by a fan in the airport this spring wearing a walking boot. He then missed OTAs, raising more questions. By early summer, however, the boot was gone—he was seen at camp walking without a brace, and video of him rehabbing in June surfaced online.
Local beat reporter Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 has been on the story since May, and the speculation and reports that have surfaced since training camp have provided no new information beyond what he originally reported.Local beat reporter Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 has been on the story since May, and the speculation and reports that have surfaced since training camp have provided no new information beyond what he originally reported.
Concerns flared again when Mixon landed on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, and even more so when NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on it. Head coach DeMeco Ryans seemed less than thrilled with that report, saying "nothing's changed with Joe,” which hinted that the team was trying to manage the narrative.
A Cautious Approach
From my perspective, this looks less like a major setback and more like a veteran running back taking the long view. Mixon hasn’t played in a preseason game since 2021 and even last year—his first season in Houston—he missed most of training camp despite learning a new scheme.
This year, he’s adjusting to another new scheme under offensive coordinator Nick Caley, but the Texans’ leadership has consistently shown they’re more cautious than most teams with player returns, particularly with proven veterans.
Adding fuel to the speculation, Mixon was recently spotted undergoing shockwave therapy. While some online doctors painted this as a sign of a severe injury, the reality is that treatment can also be used for less significant issues, even conditions like arthritis, to promote quicker healing.
Signs of Progress
While details remain scarce, it’s worth remembering what we have seen. Mixon was moving around without a brace at his football camp on June 9, and a rehab video from June 18 showed him working. Both instances suggest progress and counter the speculation that his situation is dire.
What We Know and Don’t Know
Mixon has been at the Texans’ facility earlier in camp—including on his birthday—and has been seen moving around without obvious restrictions. Still, without official clarity from the team, the mystery persists.
At the end of the day, this feels like a classic case where the lack of information—whether intentional or not—has allowed speculation to run wild. While many assume the worst, I lean toward believing Mixon is progressing as originally stated, and the Texans are simply managing his workload carefully in preparation for the long grind of the regular season.
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