Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon is starting training camp on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list due to an ankle injury suffered during the offseason. He did not participate in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) or minicamp, fueling speculation about the severity of the issue and whether he’ll be ready for the start of the 2025 NFL season.
What Kind of Ankle Injury Might Joe Mixon Have?
While the Texans haven’t disclosed specific details, Mixon’s injury could fall into a few common categories:
- Lateral (low) ankle sprain: The most common type, involving ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Usually caused by the foot rolling inward.
- High ankle sprain (syndesmotic sprain): More serious, involving ligaments between the tibia and fibula. These often result from twisting or rotational forces and take longer to heal.
- Ankle fracture: A break in one or more bones of the ankle. This type would likely require surgery and a prolonged rehab process.
- Tendon strain or dislocation: Involving structures like the peroneal tendons, which can be injured with forceful cutting and pivoting, common movements for running backs.
Given that Mixon’s injury occurred away from team activities and has already sidelined him for several months, a more moderate or high ankle sprain could be the culprit, though we won’t know for sure until further updates are released.
Recovery Timeframes for Ankle Injuries
- Grade I ankle sprain: Mild stretching of ligaments; 1–2 weeks recovery.
- Grade II sprain: Partial tearing; typically 3–6 weeks.
- High ankle sprain: Often 4–8 weeks or more, depending on severity.
- Fractures or tendon injuries: Several months, possibly requiring surgery and extended rehab.
If Mixon is placed on the NFI list just for precaution, he could still be activated early in camp. But if the injury lingers into preseason, it might jeopardize his Week 1 availability.
Why Ankle Injuries Are a Major Concern as Football Season Begins
With the start of football season just around the corner, ankle injuries are a common issue at all levels of play, from youth football to the NFL. Quick directional changes, aggressive tackling, and uneven playing surfaces all increase the risk of ankle sprains and tendon damage.
If not properly diagnosed and treated, even a mild ankle sprain can evolve into chronic ankle instability, a condition we see far too often in my clinic.
At CLS Health Sports Medicine in Houston, Dr. Javier Rios MD specializes in treating ankle injuries in athletes.
Whether it’s a first-time sprain or a stubborn high ankle issue, we offer targeted rehab, bracing, advanced imaging, and regenerative treatments like shockwave therapy.
Don’t Let a Minor Ankle Injury Become a Season-Ending Problem
If you or your child suffers an ankle injury, early intervention is key to a full recovery.
Call CLS Health Sports Medicine today to schedule a same-week evaluation with Dr. Javier Rios MD in Houston.
Let us help you get back to the game stronger and more stable than before.
