Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or DeVonta Smith

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, August 1, 1:51 PM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (back) is missing his fourth straight practice at training camp on Friday with back tightness, according to Brooks Kubena of The Athletic. However, on the bright side, Smith warmed up with the team and also ran some sprints with trainers, suggesting that he could be close to rejoining team drills this weekend. While it's something worth keeping an eye on for the Eagles' WR2, it sounds like fantasy managers shouldn't be worried at all that it's something that will linger into the regular season. The 26-year-old former 10th overall pick in 2021 out of Alabama has been one of the best No. 2 wideouts in football since entering the league, and he has two 1,000-yard seasons and 27 total touchdowns in four years in the NFL. RotoBaller has Smith ranked on the WR2/3 borderline for the upcoming campaign.