Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or J.K. Dobbins

Monday, December 29, 1:56 PM

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) will not return this season, league sources told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. The expectation all along has been that Mixon would not return at all in 2025, but now it's official. The Texans haven't released many details on the nature of Mixon's foot/ankle injury, but we know that he hasn't played since back in the spring. The 29-year-old remains on the Non-Football Injury list. At this point, it's fair to wonder if he'll be effective at all if he's able to make it back and play in 2026. The Texans will continue to move forward with rookie Woody Marks as their primary ball-carrier, with veteran Nick Chubb and rookie Jawhar Jordan backing him up heading into the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts.

Wednesday, January 14, 4:56 PM

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (foot), who has been on Injured Reserve since Nov. 6 due to foot surgery, was seen doing work on a side field during practice on Wednesday, according to Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette. The 27-year-old is trying to make himself available if the Broncos advance deep into the postseason, but it remains to be seen if he'd be an option for the team if they advanced past the Buffalo Bills during the Divisional Round this weekend to play in the AFC Championship. For now, Denver will stick with a backfield led by rookie RJ Harvey. Dobbins was on pace for a career year in 2025 before his Lisfranc injury, as he had 772 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 153 carries in 10 games. He cannot resume practicing with the rest of the team until the Broncos open his 21-day practice window.