Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Cam Akers

Saturday, July 26, 1:50 PM

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (foot), who started training camp on the Non-Football Injury list, is expected to be out for an extended period of time due to a frustrating foot injury, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Mixon will be re-evaluated closer to the regular season to determine his availability, but it sounds as though last year's 1,000-yard rusher isn't a lock to be ready for Week 1 in early September. Dameon Pierce (undisclosed) is also on the PUP list, so Houston's backfield is pretty thin early in training camp. As things currently stand, Nick Chubb, who suffered a gruesome leg injury in 2023, is atop the depth chart, with rookie Woody Marks also set for a substantial role if both Mixon and Pierce aren't ready for the season opener. Mixon can do it all when healthy, but his health has now become an issue, and the Texans' shaky offensive line isn't a good combination.

Friday, June 13, 6:27 PM

The New Orleans Saints have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with running back Cam Akers on Friday. Akers recently worked out with the Saints during a mandatory minicamp. It appears Akers has impressed the organization enough to earn himself a deal with the team. The former second-round pick has been fairly underwhelming since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020. Last season, Akers rushed for 444 yards with two touchdowns in 17 games between the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings. The expectation is that Akers will serve as a depth option behind workhorse Alvin Kamara in the backfield. Akers won't be on the fantasy radar with Kamara likely getting the bulk of the carries in New Orleans.