Joe Mixon says migraine issue was real and affected him for several weeks

It took a while, but the Bengals and Joe Mixon finally agreed to a long-term extension this week that keeps him tied to the franchise through 2024.

Both sides worked tirelessly throughout training camp to get a deal done for the fourth-year back, who’s arguably been the offense’s most valuable player over the last two seasons.

But while getting a deal done can be challenging and even hostile at times, Mixon didn’t let that affect his standing with the team, as he participated in most of training camp, whereas many players in his position have held out before until a deal got done (like Alvin Kamara and the Saints).

Some thought that was the case when Mixon began missing practice last week with what was reported as a migraine issue he was battling. It did seem odd that Mixon began sitting out as the team inched closer to next week’s regular-season opener, whether it was a mini holdout, or Mixon just simply playing it safe since he knew he was on the verge of signing a contract that will have him set for life.

Mixon wants you to know his migraines were very legit and something he’s actually dealt with before he began missing practice.

During his Wednesday meeting with media, Mixon discussed how his migraines plagued him for several weeks, even affecting his sleep, and how he had to visit a doctor because of them.

If true, it’s a tad concerning Mixon dealt with migraines for several weeks. He’s been very durable since joining the Bengals as a second-round pick out of Oklahoma in 2017. He’s missed a combined four games through four seasons, one of which was a two-game absence in 2017 due to a concussion. Concussions have has been linked to migraines and other post-traumatic head issues.

Hopefully, this was nothing more than a one-time issue that won’t plague Mixon moving forward.