Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Bucky Irving

Friday, June 20, 12:20 AM

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) is expected to be ready at some point during training camp this summer, according to KPRC 2 Sports' Aaron Wilson. It's a bit ambiguous, but Wilson also goes on to say that it's possible Mixon will be taking part in workouts on the first day of camp in late July. The 28-year-old apparently aggravated ankle and foot injuries that he battled through in 2024, which is why he didn't take part in OTAs this spring. Barring a setback, Mixon should be ready for the start of the regular season, but it's certainly something that fantasy managers should be keeping close tabs on after he was in a protective brace. He finished as the RB15 in half-PPR leagues in his first year in Houston but was noticeably quiet toward the end of the year after battling ankle issues. There are injury concerns with Mixon, but he should at least be a high-end RB2 with plenty of volume if he can stay on the field.

Thursday, June 26, 6:10 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving, who is expected to see more opportunities in 2025, has improved his footwork and pass protection, according to head coach Todd Bowles. "He got to where he needed to be, but his footwork wasn't always the cleanest last season," Bowles says. "He's cleaned that up." Despite only "starting" three games in 2024, Irving finished as the RB13 in point-per-reception scoring in fantasy in his rookie season by racking up 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 207 rushing attempts. He added 47 receptions on 52 targets for 392 yards through the air. The 22-year-old makes up for his lack of size and athleticism with excellent vision and a knack for breaking tackles in open space. The primary concern with Irving as it pertains to being a true RB1 is the question of whether he can be a true workhorse back and withstand all the physical punishment between the tackles.