Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or D'Andre Swift

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.

Sunday, July 27, 10:01 AM

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift was working in two-minute drills during Saturday's practice. The lead back job remains up in the air right now, but Swift seems the most likely starter to open the season. Last season, Swift rushed for 959 yards with six touchdowns while hauling in 42 receptions for an additional 386 yards through the air in 17 games during his first year in Chicago. It's worth noting that the Bears also have Roschon Johnson and Kyle Monangai competing for touches in the backfield. The Bears do have new head coach Ben Johnson leading the way in Chicago. Possibly, Johnson decides to use Swift in a different role this upcoming season. This is a situation to monitor throughout training camp.