Joe Mixon

Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said Joe Mixon is “an absolute workhorse, in every regard.”

It’s the latest sign that Mixon, 27, who signed a three-year contract extension with Houston this offseason, will be the team’s unquestioned primary back in 2024. Though Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans recently said Mixon and Dameon Pierce will be a “one-two punch,” all indications point to Mixon as the lead back who will see high-leverage touches in the ascendant Houston offense. Mixon totaled more than 1,200 yards in each of his final three years with the Bengals. Pierce in 2023 was among the worst running backs in the NFL, averaging 2.8 yards per carry. He’ll be a backfield insurance option in Mixon misses time this season. The team recently added journeyman Cam Akers to the backfield.