Story byBilly HeyenMon, January 19, 2026 at 8:33 PM UTC·1 min readTexans future for Joe Mixon left in confusing doubt by DeMeco Ryans originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Joe Mixon didn't play this entire season for the Houston Texans. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe was injured before the season started, and there was never a full amount of clarity, but he never took the field in what would've been his second season playing for the Texans after signing over from the Bengals. Now, his future is mysterious, too. Head coach DeMeco Ryans was asked if Mixon will be back during a Monday press conference:"I don't know the answer to that right now."MORE: Why Bills had no choice but to fire Sean McDermottPretty much sums up the Mixon experience this year. It's made all the weirder by Mixon chiming in on social media during the Texans' loss on Sunday to the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round:MORE: Exploring 5 wild Broncos QB options to replace Bo NixAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Texans probably wish he had been playing, too. Mixon still has another year on his contract, but the Texans can get out of the contract with just a $2 million dead cap hit. Given how unideal this season was for Mixon, it wouldn't be shocking for Houston to move on. They know they've got Woody Marks to lead their backfield into the future. The Texans likely can spend their money in better places than on Mixon. More NFL news:Browns can draft the brother of a Cavs' NBA starNick Foles offers advice to Broncos after Bo Nix injuryNew perspective on Tua Tagovailoa and his head injuriesAaron Rodgers' future with the Steelers has been decidedJohn Harbaugh should already have a $100 million regretThis throw is why the Bears drafted Caleb Williams 1st overall.