Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or James Conner

Sunday, June 8, 11:30 PM

KPRC 2 Sports' Aaron Wilson reports that Houston Texans running backs Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (undisclosed) are both expected to be ready for the start of training camp in late July. Mixon missed voluntary organized team activities this spring and was seen wearing a walking boot, but he's now in a small brace. Both Mixon and Pierce should be ready to go for the start of the 2025 season this fall, but it makes sense why Houston is expected to sign Nick Chubb to bolster their RB room. The good news is that Mixon's ankle injury is unrelated to the two ankle injuries he suffered last year. In his first year with the Texans in 2024, the 28-year-old was a Pro Bowler for the second time in his career with 1,016 rushing yards and 11 TDs on 245 carries in 14 regular-season starts. Mixon added 36 catches for 309 yards and another TD. Volume shouldn't be an issue in 2025, but health could be.

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.