August 26, 2025 • 12 mins
Sam Warren hops on with Wex and AC to dicuss the injury suffered by Joe Mixon and the prolonged time he'll miss for the Houston Texans
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
See lifelong Houston sports guys named Adham talking your team.
Adam Clinton and Adam Weckler are d a team.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
It's the four o'clock hour here on Sports SOX seven
I D and Space City Home Network.
Speaker 3 (00:23):
Wex ac Cole.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
Thompson with you, and as promised, we turned the conversation
back to Texans football. Well, it's very convenient that Sam
Warren is joining us right now, especially since we just
got the news officially that the Texans starting back, starting
running back for much much of last season, Joe Mixon
is going to go on the injured list with the
(00:46):
ability to perform at week five. But I don't think
that's going to be the case, Sam to.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
You, so, I think this was this was no surprise
to many people that he was going to go on
this list. We'll see what happens with that, you know,
with that week five date. But this is, you know,
you don't want to rush back Joe Mixon with the
fact that he's been out for this amount of time
(01:14):
and we really haven't seen him around getting any work
at all. So I think I think things are trending towards,
you know, a slow ramp up and trying to get
him as healthy as he can so that he can
be a difference maker when he is fully ready to
go and and not risking reinjury. So I wouldn't be
surprised to see him out for for longer than five weeks.
(01:36):
But you know, the updates haven't been that prompt in
the first place, so we'll see there's no surprises here.
Speaker 4 (01:46):
Well, one thing we've talked about Sam throughout this entire
time period and all the way going back to March
free agency, their offseason workout program, the late part of
the program, when they did in fact sign Nick Chubb
to where we are today, where they haven't added you know,
anybody at that position in the back field in that time,
but did get back Damian Pierce. Does all of those
things in the timeline of it suggest that you know
(02:06):
that maybe recovery was not going as planned, and you know,
the beginning of the off season didn't feel like to
them internally they needed to go out and get somebody.
Ultimately they felt like they did later on that was
Nick Chubb. And here we are as the season approaches
and cuts what we made across the league. A does
it feel like something clearly changed on the path timeline
to recovery, and B do you expect a some sort
(02:29):
of addition externally to the running back room before they
hit the RAMS.
Speaker 3 (02:35):
I would say definitely. The Nick Chubb signing does signify
that something changed in his recovery timeline. I think just
the the timing of him getting signed in June, like
right before OTAs. Definitely, it definitely signifies to me that, hey,
Joe wasn't ready. We kind of need a backup plan here.
(02:56):
Let's go get a veteran that we think still has
a little bit of juice left. And I think they're
they're happy to They're happy with what they've seen out
of Knick sub so far. I think from what we
talked to De Miko about today, he seems pretty happy
with the running back depth that they have in their room.
I don't know if there's gonna be a better option
(03:18):
out there on the waiver wire with these cutdown days
that are available, but I think he's I think he's
pretty happy with the combination of Nick Schubb, what he's
seen from him in training camp so far. He's happy
with the explosiveness coming back from those two lower body injuries.
I think he was happy with what he saw from
Damian Pierce in the last preseason game against the Lions.
(03:40):
I think they're very excited about what what he mark
springs to the table as well, seeing what he did
against the Lions and what he's done throughout training camp.
So I wouldn't it wouldn't put it past them to
go out and look for for veteran help. But I
think they are pretty content with the stable of running
backs that they have, even without kill Nick.
Speaker 4 (04:00):
You gave our listeners Demico and the team's thoughts on
what they think they have in Nick Chubb. What do
you think they have in Nick Chubb?
Speaker 3 (04:10):
Uh, He's He's definitely concerned me at the start of camp,
but as you know, he's gotten out there and put
the pads on. I mean, Nick Schubb is a physical runner.
He's not one of the guys that you're gonna see,
you know what, you're gonna ultimately get out of him
when he's not in pads. So seeing him go out
there against the Panthers, you know that's not a great
(04:33):
defense in the first place, but what he did in
that preseason game definitely showed me that he can have
that explosiveness and can be a solid running back for
this team, But I wouldn't say that, you know, Nick
Schubb is the Belkow back for this this offense. I
think they're definitely going to interchange these running backs. I
(04:56):
think this the signifies that Damian Pierce could be around
when you know, with him also being on that injury,
timeline didn't really know about where he stood with this
team previously. It seems like he could be in the mix. Now.
It seems like darre is still probably going to be
the third down back, but then giving what he marks,
maybe some some elevated carries as well. But I would
(05:19):
I would say that that cub still has some juice
left and he's he's trending upwards, but I wouldn't say
that he is the you know, the end all be
all at running back.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
Talking to Sam Warren of the Houston Chronicle, he covers
the Houston Texans, we talked about this a little bit
earlier as you were watching the weekend unfold and saw
what happened with the Brian Robinson trade. I know you
just got done mentioning all the names in the running
back room. Were you surprised though, having you know, gotten
him for a sixth round pick in San Francisco that
(05:50):
maybe the the Texans didn't check in on that situation.
Speaker 3 (05:55):
I think that's certainly somebody that that could have been
a benefit to the sections. But I think again, like
they're they're happy with this, this rookie running back that
they have in what he marks they've even gotten. You know,
these aren't guys that you want to rely on, but
the guys that can spell carries with with Juwar Jordan
and British books if they wanted to keep one of
(06:17):
those guys, but those guys around, But I think they're
very happy with what they've seen out of Jubb and
his progression. Damian Pierce. I think Dara as that third
down back and what he I think that just signifies
that that that they weren't out there and looking for
Brian or another running back on that trade market. I
think it says something about their faith in the in
(06:39):
the depth that they do have, and I think the
MIKO definitely talked about that today, that they they light
the running backs that they have outside of mixing, even
if if Mixon is not available for.
Speaker 4 (06:49):
Some time, not much time to analyze the tight end situation.
With the addition of Harris and Bryant, but some roster
decisions to be made. In your mind, do you think
they will keep Smith over Bryant or vice versa? And
do you think Lecha makes the initial fifty three and
similar at the wide receiver position? Do you think both
Barrios and Justin Watson will make the team and they
(07:11):
will initially have seven wide receivers on that fifty three.
Speaker 3 (07:17):
Yeah, So with tight end, I think there's not You're
right that there hasn't been a whole ton of time
to evaluate Harrison Bryant and Erv Smith or Luke Liche
and how they kind of work out together. I know
that they've they had kind of them out there in
equal parts. I think Irv's got a lot less snaps
(07:39):
than Lasa and Bryant, so they were really testing out
what they had in Brian. I think that they know
what they have in Erth Smith, so I think Smith
provides a little bit more of a pass catching threat
off the banks, which you know Brevic Jordan did have
that as well, So maybe they're looking for something like that.
But I wouldn't be surprised given what they got. You know,
(08:00):
they went out and traded for Harrison Bryant, if he
makes the team over over Erthsmith. I think che is
somebody that they want to keep around, uh, but I
don't see him initially making this roster, especially if they
want to keep a guy like Yakam Johnson around to
play fullback for this team. And then with with the
receiver position, I think it was you know, very telling
(08:24):
on uh the preseason game that they that Barrios really
didn't get very many snaps and then you have Justin
Watson back there catching some punts as well, So they
were really testing Watson out and seeing where he can
sit on this team. But the fact that they didn't
really play at all, I think tells you you know,
(08:45):
where they stand with them. I think they're they're very
comfortable if they want to bring seven, seven receivers on
the team. I mean they did last year and Steve
uh uh, you know, Steven Simms provided less of a
receiving threat that Braxton Barrios does when he was kind
of the same returner role type player. So I think
(09:06):
that they could bring seven guys on this roster. I
think Justin Watson provides a lot on special teams as well,
so it really wouldn't surprise me. But they've got a
lot of really solid options at a bunch of different positions.
So the roster cutdown day is gonna be really tough
for this team.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
Sam. I've asked Wex this, I've asked other guests this question.
Which of the Iowa State rookie receivers do you think
is going to have the biggest impact this upcoming year?
Speaker 3 (09:34):
You know, I would say Jayden Higgins would have a
little bit of a bigger impact just because of the
position that he plays. I think jen Jalen Nole has
maybe flashed a little bit more in camp. Jayden Higgins
had some great plays at the Greenbrier, but he's also
He's made a great diving catch in the preseason game.
But I would say Noel has had some of those
(09:56):
those flash plays from the flat a little bit more,
but he is a little bit blocked by a guy
like Christian Kirk, who is going to be your starting
slot receiver. They haven't really tested Noel on the outside
all that much. Meanwhile, you have, you know, Jayden Higgins,
who's this big outside receiver who you can play alongside
Nico Collins and Kirk in three receiver sets. So I
(10:19):
would say that the Higgins will probably see the field
a little bit more, at least initially barring any injury,
and I could see him having a legitimate factor on
this team early on, just from the speed and the
catch radius and just all the skills that he provides.
I think he's going to see the field and will
have a little bit of a bigger impact early on.
(10:41):
I definitely can't see Jalen Nole having a lot of
impact on this team though, PM later Tom later games
and down the line.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
Last thing for you and analysis not required, merely an answer.
Will start Week one for the Texans at left tackle?
Speaker 3 (10:59):
Fact, I think so. I think so. I think they
liked what he presents at that left tackle position a lot,
and I think the fact that they, you know, Cam
Robinson has come back and practice in recent days, but
I think they really like what they've seen from Mariante
Ersri and they can see him as a left tackle
(11:22):
of the future, and they've they've played well on that
offensive line with Titus at right tackle at Ingram's played
probably better than they thought he was going to play
at right guard. So I think I think pay will
be the starting left tackle come Week one against the Ramps.
Speaker 4 (11:38):
Well, Jamiico Ryans kind of sounded like he was excited
about that possibility, although I don't want to put words
in his mouth when he spoke to us earlier today.
We'll play that firs our listeners in a little bit. Sam,
appreciate your coverage down the Chronicle obviously all throughout the
offseason and now we're in season. We'll continue to look
forward there and appreciate your time this afternoon.
Speaker 3 (11:56):
Thanks guys, I appreciate you having me on.
Speaker 4 (11:57):
You got it, Sam Warren, Houston Chronicle, Talking Texans. We
will continue on that very topic the last two questions
about the Texans rookies. We start their next
Speaker 3 (12:07):
The a T on Sports Talk seven ninety
See lifelong Houston sports guys named Adham talking your team.
Adam Clinton and Adam Weckler are d a team.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
It's the four o'clock hour here on Sports SOX seven
I D and Space City Home Network.
Speaker 3 (00:23):
Wex ac Cole.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
Thompson with you, and as promised, we turned the conversation
back to Texans football. Well, it's very convenient that Sam
Warren is joining us right now, especially since we just
got the news officially that the Texans starting back, starting
running back for much much of last season, Joe Mixon
is going to go on the injured list with the
(00:46):
ability to perform at week five. But I don't think
that's going to be the case, Sam to.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
You, so, I think this was this was no surprise
to many people that he was going to go on
this list. We'll see what happens with that, you know,
with that week five date. But this is, you know,
you don't want to rush back Joe Mixon with the
fact that he's been out for this amount of time
(01:14):
and we really haven't seen him around getting any work
at all. So I think I think things are trending towards,
you know, a slow ramp up and trying to get
him as healthy as he can so that he can
be a difference maker when he is fully ready to
go and and not risking reinjury. So I wouldn't be
surprised to see him out for for longer than five weeks.
(01:36):
But you know, the updates haven't been that prompt in
the first place, so we'll see there's no surprises here.
Speaker 4 (01:46):
Well, one thing we've talked about Sam throughout this entire
time period and all the way going back to March
free agency, their offseason workout program, the late part of
the program, when they did in fact sign Nick Chubb
to where we are today, where they haven't added you know,
anybody at that position in the back field in that time,
but did get back Damian Pierce. Does all of those
things in the timeline of it suggest that you know
(02:06):
that maybe recovery was not going as planned, and you know,
the beginning of the off season didn't feel like to
them internally they needed to go out and get somebody.
Ultimately they felt like they did later on that was
Nick Chubb. And here we are as the season approaches
and cuts what we made across the league. A does
it feel like something clearly changed on the path timeline
to recovery, and B do you expect a some sort
(02:29):
of addition externally to the running back room before they
hit the RAMS.
Speaker 3 (02:35):
I would say definitely. The Nick Chubb signing does signify
that something changed in his recovery timeline. I think just
the the timing of him getting signed in June, like
right before OTAs. Definitely, it definitely signifies to me that, hey,
Joe wasn't ready. We kind of need a backup plan here.
(02:56):
Let's go get a veteran that we think still has
a little bit of juice left. And I think they're
they're happy to They're happy with what they've seen out
of Knick sub so far. I think from what we
talked to De Miko about today, he seems pretty happy
with the running back depth that they have in their room.
I don't know if there's gonna be a better option
(03:18):
out there on the waiver wire with these cutdown days
that are available, but I think he's I think he's
pretty happy with the combination of Nick Schubb, what he's
seen from him in training camp so far. He's happy
with the explosiveness coming back from those two lower body injuries.
I think he was happy with what he saw from
Damian Pierce in the last preseason game against the Lions.
(03:40):
I think they're very excited about what what he mark
springs to the table as well, seeing what he did
against the Lions and what he's done throughout training camp.
So I wouldn't it wouldn't put it past them to
go out and look for for veteran help. But I
think they are pretty content with the stable of running
backs that they have, even without kill Nick.
Speaker 4 (04:00):
You gave our listeners Demico and the team's thoughts on
what they think they have in Nick Chubb. What do
you think they have in Nick Chubb?
Speaker 3 (04:10):
Uh, He's He's definitely concerned me at the start of camp,
but as you know, he's gotten out there and put
the pads on. I mean, Nick Schubb is a physical runner.
He's not one of the guys that you're gonna see,
you know what, you're gonna ultimately get out of him
when he's not in pads. So seeing him go out
there against the Panthers, you know that's not a great
(04:33):
defense in the first place, but what he did in
that preseason game definitely showed me that he can have
that explosiveness and can be a solid running back for
this team, But I wouldn't say that, you know, Nick
Schubb is the Belkow back for this this offense. I
think they're definitely going to interchange these running backs. I
(04:56):
think this the signifies that Damian Pierce could be around
when you know, with him also being on that injury,
timeline didn't really know about where he stood with this
team previously. It seems like he could be in the mix. Now.
It seems like darre is still probably going to be
the third down back, but then giving what he marks,
maybe some some elevated carries as well. But I would
(05:19):
I would say that that cub still has some juice
left and he's he's trending upwards, but I wouldn't say
that he is the you know, the end all be
all at running back.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
Talking to Sam Warren of the Houston Chronicle, he covers
the Houston Texans, we talked about this a little bit
earlier as you were watching the weekend unfold and saw
what happened with the Brian Robinson trade. I know you
just got done mentioning all the names in the running
back room. Were you surprised though, having you know, gotten
him for a sixth round pick in San Francisco that
(05:50):
maybe the the Texans didn't check in on that situation.
Speaker 3 (05:55):
I think that's certainly somebody that that could have been
a benefit to the sections. But I think again, like
they're they're happy with this, this rookie running back that
they have in what he marks they've even gotten. You know,
these aren't guys that you want to rely on, but
the guys that can spell carries with with Juwar Jordan
and British books if they wanted to keep one of
(06:17):
those guys, but those guys around, But I think they're
very happy with what they've seen out of Jubb and
his progression. Damian Pierce. I think Dara as that third
down back and what he I think that just signifies
that that that they weren't out there and looking for
Brian or another running back on that trade market. I
think it says something about their faith in the in
(06:39):
the depth that they do have, and I think the
MIKO definitely talked about that today, that they they light
the running backs that they have outside of mixing, even
if if Mixon is not available for.
Speaker 4 (06:49):
Some time, not much time to analyze the tight end situation.
With the addition of Harris and Bryant, but some roster
decisions to be made. In your mind, do you think
they will keep Smith over Bryant or vice versa? And
do you think Lecha makes the initial fifty three and
similar at the wide receiver position? Do you think both
Barrios and Justin Watson will make the team and they
(07:11):
will initially have seven wide receivers on that fifty three.
Speaker 3 (07:17):
Yeah, So with tight end, I think there's not You're
right that there hasn't been a whole ton of time
to evaluate Harrison Bryant and Erv Smith or Luke Liche
and how they kind of work out together. I know
that they've they had kind of them out there in
equal parts. I think Irv's got a lot less snaps
(07:39):
than Lasa and Bryant, so they were really testing out
what they had in Brian. I think that they know
what they have in Erth Smith, so I think Smith
provides a little bit more of a pass catching threat
off the banks, which you know Brevic Jordan did have
that as well, So maybe they're looking for something like that.
But I wouldn't be surprised given what they got. You know,
(08:00):
they went out and traded for Harrison Bryant, if he
makes the team over over Erthsmith. I think che is
somebody that they want to keep around, uh, but I
don't see him initially making this roster, especially if they
want to keep a guy like Yakam Johnson around to
play fullback for this team. And then with with the
receiver position, I think it was you know, very telling
(08:24):
on uh the preseason game that they that Barrios really
didn't get very many snaps and then you have Justin
Watson back there catching some punts as well, So they
were really testing Watson out and seeing where he can
sit on this team. But the fact that they didn't
really play at all, I think tells you you know,
(08:45):
where they stand with them. I think they're they're very
comfortable if they want to bring seven, seven receivers on
the team. I mean they did last year and Steve
uh uh, you know, Steven Simms provided less of a
receiving threat that Braxton Barrios does when he was kind
of the same returner role type player. So I think
(09:06):
that they could bring seven guys on this roster. I
think Justin Watson provides a lot on special teams as well,
so it really wouldn't surprise me. But they've got a
lot of really solid options at a bunch of different positions.
So the roster cutdown day is gonna be really tough
for this team.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
Sam. I've asked Wex this, I've asked other guests this question.
Which of the Iowa State rookie receivers do you think
is going to have the biggest impact this upcoming year?
Speaker 3 (09:34):
You know, I would say Jayden Higgins would have a
little bit of a bigger impact just because of the
position that he plays. I think jen Jalen Nole has
maybe flashed a little bit more in camp. Jayden Higgins
had some great plays at the Greenbrier, but he's also
He's made a great diving catch in the preseason game.
But I would say Noel has had some of those
(09:56):
those flash plays from the flat a little bit more,
but he is a little bit blocked by a guy
like Christian Kirk, who is going to be your starting
slot receiver. They haven't really tested Noel on the outside
all that much. Meanwhile, you have, you know, Jayden Higgins,
who's this big outside receiver who you can play alongside
Nico Collins and Kirk in three receiver sets. So I
(10:19):
would say that the Higgins will probably see the field
a little bit more, at least initially barring any injury,
and I could see him having a legitimate factor on
this team early on, just from the speed and the
catch radius and just all the skills that he provides.
I think he's going to see the field and will
have a little bit of a bigger impact early on.
(10:41):
I definitely can't see Jalen Nole having a lot of
impact on this team though, PM later Tom later games
and down the line.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
Last thing for you and analysis not required, merely an answer.
Will start Week one for the Texans at left tackle?
Speaker 3 (10:59):
Fact, I think so. I think so. I think they
liked what he presents at that left tackle position a lot,
and I think the fact that they, you know, Cam
Robinson has come back and practice in recent days, but
I think they really like what they've seen from Mariante
Ersri and they can see him as a left tackle
(11:22):
of the future, and they've they've played well on that
offensive line with Titus at right tackle at Ingram's played
probably better than they thought he was going to play
at right guard. So I think I think pay will
be the starting left tackle come Week one against the Ramps.
Speaker 4 (11:38):
Well, Jamiico Ryans kind of sounded like he was excited
about that possibility, although I don't want to put words
in his mouth when he spoke to us earlier today.
We'll play that firs our listeners in a little bit. Sam,
appreciate your coverage down the Chronicle obviously all throughout the
offseason and now we're in season. We'll continue to look
forward there and appreciate your time this afternoon.
Speaker 3 (11:56):
Thanks guys, I appreciate you having me on.
Speaker 4 (11:57):
You got it, Sam Warren, Houston Chronicle, Talking Texans. We
will continue on that very topic the last two questions
about the Texans rookies. We start their next
Speaker 3 (12:07):
The a T on Sports Talk seven ninety
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