Texans' Mixon to miss first 4 games of season

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon will miss at least the first four games of the season due to a foot injury, the team announced Monday.

Mixon has been sidelined since July 26. Houston placed him on the reserve/non-football injury list Monday, meaning he can only begin to practice and play after the team's fourth game of the regular season.

Mixon led Houston with 1,016 rushing yards (4.1 per carry) and 11 touchdown runs in 14 games last year, helping the club win the AFC South in his first year in town.

With Mixon sidelined, the Texans could turn to Nick Chubb at running back. Chubb joined the team this year after appearing in just 10 games in the last two seasons combined due to a serious knee injury. Houston also rosters tailbacks Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale, among others.

The Texans kick off their season Sept. 7 against the Los Angeles Rams. Mixon will be eligible to return against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 5. Houston has a bye in Week 6.