Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Isiah Pacheco

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.

Sunday, June 1, 8:36 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco told the Kansas City Star's Jesse Newell that he focused on gaining weight this offseason to get closer to his shape at the NFL Combine. "Just going back to 216, 4.37 Isiah Pacheco-style," said Pacheco. The Rutgers product was excellent for Kansas City over his first two seasons, but a fibula fracture in Week 2 of 2024 would derail a fantastic start for him. Miraculously, he'd return in Week 13, but the 26-year-old was not his usual effective self. The missed time caused him to lean out, but head coach Andy Reid notes that Pacheco put on some "good weight" and is looking "tremendous" ahead of the 2025 season. There'll be more competition for him in the Chiefs' backfield this year. However, more time removed from an ugly injury should benefit him. It's unclear whether or not the added weight will be a boon to him. Still, he has an excellent chance at a bounce-back season.