Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Isiah Pacheco

Monday, November 10, 6:18 PM

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) hasn't been able to do anything for the last four months with what the team is calling a foot injury, and there have been no recent updates on what his timetable might look like for a return this year. It has opened up speculation that Mixon won't return at all for Houston in 2025. He was placed on the Non-Football Injury list in the offseason, and the Texans have offered few details on his foot injury. General manager Nick Caserio said in early October that Mixon was making progress, but the fact that we haven't heard anything since isn't good news. The Texans are still holding out hope that Mixon will be back this year, but KPRC 2 Sports' Aaron Wilson has said that Mixon's situation is "tough" and "complicated." Fantasy managers shouldn't be so hopeful he'll play in 2025. In the meantime, the Texans will roll on with veteran Nick Chubb in the early down role, with rookie Woody Marks seeing passing-down work.

Friday, November 14, 3:54 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) has officially been ruled out for his team's Week 11 matchup against the Denver Broncos, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. This will mark Pacheco's second straight missed game after he suffered an MCL sprain in Week 8. Without him, Kansas City will likely turn to veteran running back Kareem Hunt to handle the majority of their backfield work. Hunt recorded 11 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown in Week 9 against the Buffalo Bills with Pacheco sidelined. Rookie running back Brashard Smith could mix in as well, but Smith earned just four touches against Buffalo. Hunt profiles as a borderline RB2/high-end flex option for fantasy managers in Week 11. Pacheco should have a chance to return to the field in Week 12 when the Chiefs host the Indianapolis Colts.