Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or James Conner

Wednesday, August 20, 1:06 PM

Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports that Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) could begin the 2025 season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, which would mean he'd miss at least the first four games. Mixon has not practiced at all during training camp this summer and hasn't even been seen working off the side on a rehab field. The 29-year-old former second-rounder by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017 out of Oklahoma had a solid first year in Houston in 2024, rushing for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns on 245 carries over 14 regular-season starts, adding 36 catches for 309 yards and another TD. He can do it all, but it's looking more likely that he won't be ready for Week 1. If Mixon is unavailable for the start of the regular season, the Texans could go with a committee backfield involving Nick Chubb, Dameon Pierce and rookie Woody Marks.

Thursday, May 29, 1:04 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) took part in voluntary organized team activities on Wednesday. "I'm ready," Conner said. "We ain't doing this forever." Conner injured his right knee in Week 16 of last year and had six touches before being pulled in Week 17. The Cardinals placed him on Injured Reserve for the Week 18 regular-season finale, but the 30-year-old veteran appears to be fine now and ready to go for the start of the 2025 season this fall. He racked up a career-high 1,518 scrimmage yards on 236 carries while catching 47 of 55 targets in 2024. It was the healthiest Conner had been in his career, so fantasy managers definitely should expect some more missed time given his age and physical running style. For now, he's still being considered a workhorse back in Arizona, but more injuries could give Trey Benson more of a role eventually.