Mixon's foot injury lands him on IR for at least four weeks, forcing Houston to lean into five backs—Chubb, Pierce, Ogunbowale, British Brooks and Woody Marks. Chubb should start, but his post‑injury explosiveness is in question, opening doors for Pierce or Marks. The plan shifts to a more explosive passing game under Stroud in Caley’s offense, with Slowik’s run‑heavy tendencies fading as the team aims for balance.