Who Should I Start? Jerick McKinnon or Joe Mixon

Wednesday, January 10, 12:32 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (hernia, pelvis) was on crutches on Tuesday in his first day back at the team's facility following sports-hernia surgery on Jan. 2, which was performed by Dr. Williams Meyers. In addition to a sports hernia, McKinnon fractured his pelvis. It all means that McKinnon is doubtful to return for the postseason, even if the Chiefs make another run to the Super Bowl this year. The 31-year-old is eligible for free agency in March but has expressed interest in returning to Kansas City. McKinnon missed the final three games of the regular season and finished 2023 with just 21 carries for 60 yards and one touchdown while adding 25 receptions for 192 yards and four touchdowns through the air in 12 games played. Clyde Edwards-Helaire will have a bigger role as the No. 2 in KC's backfield behind Isiah Pacheco now that McKinnon is out.

Saturday, January 18, 7:44 PM

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon was one of the few bright spots for his team in a season-ending defeat to Kansas City on Saturday, during which he compiled 100 yards from scrimmage and scored his team's only touchdown. The former Cincinnati Bengal rushed for a game-high 88 yards on 18 carries, and also hauled in two of his three targets for another 12 yards. Unfortunately for Houston, its pass protection and kicking game were major letdowns, as the line allowed eight sacks and kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn missed two field goals and an extra point. It was a largely productive first season in Houston for Mixon, who hit 1,000 yards rushing and scored 12 regular-season touchdowns, but Houston's season concludes in the Divisional Round for the second straight year.