Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Aaron Jones Sr.

Wednesday, September 17, 11:11 AM

The Houston Texans have been worringly vague when providing updates on the status of running back Joe Mixon (ankle, foot), who did not participate in any team offseason activities while recovering from an ankle/foot injury. Mixon was placed on the non-football injury list before the start of the regular season, meaning his earliest possible return date is Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens. However, it appears as though Mixon will likely be out significantly longer and could even miss the entirety of 2025. The 29-year-old was a huge piece of Houston's offense in 2024, totaling 1,325 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns in 14 games. In Mixon's absence so far, the Texans have turned to veteran running back Nick Chubb, who has 103 rushing yards and a touchdown on 25 carries through the team's first two games. Mixon may be worth stashing in an IR spot for fantasy managers, but the lack of updates from the team is a concerning sign.

Tuesday, September 16, 5:17 PM

The Minnesota Vikings are placing running back Aaron Jones Sr. (hamstring) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Jones suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night and will now be knocked out for at least the next four games. Jordan Mason now becomes Minnesota's unquestioned RB1 and a must-start in fantasy every week. For more RB depth, the Vikings signed Cam Akers to their practice squad. The Vikings have a bye in Week 6, so the earliest Jones would be able to return would be in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 30-year-old veteran needs to be stashed in all fantasy leagues while he heals up, but he averaged just 3.5 yards per carry the first two weeks and looked like the second-best RB in Minnesota's backfield before his injury. Zavier Scott will be elevated to No. 2 duties behind Mason for the foreseeable future.