Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Austin Ekeler

Monday, August 18, 5:06 PM

KPRC 2 Sports' Aaron Wilson thinks that Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) will start the regular season on the Non-Football Injury list, which would keep him out for Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams and three more games. Wilson also says that it's been a "tough and complicated rehabbing" for Mixon. The 29-year-old was never a lock to be ready for Week 1, and now it looks more likely than not that he will be forced to miss at least the first four games of the year. He has missed all of training camp and the preseason with an ankle/foot injury. Mixon proved to be a workhorse in 2024 in his first year with the team with 1,325 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdown touchdowns in 14 regular-season games, but his fantasy value will take a big hit now that it looks like he won't be ready. This could be a committee approach without Mixon with Nick Chubb, Dameon Pierce and rookie Woody Marks.

Tuesday, August 19, 10:23 AM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler is still viewed as a "key" piece of the offense, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Earlier this week, reports suggested that the Commanders were actively looking to find a trade partner for running back Brian Robinson Jr. During training camp and the opening weeks of the preseason, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has flashed immense upside and appears to be in the running to take the starting job over Robinson. Last season, Ekeler served as the primary third-down running back in the offense. While he missed five games, he was rather productive when on the field. During his first 10 games in D.C., Ekeler averaged a solid 12.3 PPR points per game with solid 5.1 YPC. Even if Robinson were to stay on the Commanders, Ekeler would likely have a significant role on passing downs. He is worth a look as a late-round depth RB as he could even carve out a more substantial role if Robinson were to be traded.