Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Jeremy McNichols

Wednesday, January 21, 12:19 PM

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio said on Wednesday that running back Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) had a medical condition that never improved, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. "He didn't jump off a building. He wasn't doing anything irresponsible. It was a freak thing," Caserio said. The Texans were extremely vague with Mixon's injury all year, and he never ended up playing in 2025. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Monday that Mixon's status for the 2026 season is also uncertain due to his injury. Unexpectedly, the Texans struggled for consistent production out of their backfield with a mix of veteran Nick Chubb and Woody Marks. Marks took over halfway through the year and should be heavily involved again next season, even if Mixon returns. Needless to say, a lot of fantasy managers won't want anything to do with Mixon in 2026.

Wednesday, December 24, 9:23 AM

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols has had a solid season as the team's primary third-down back, recording 42 carries for 220 yards and a touchdown to go with 21 catches (27 targets) for 176 yards in 15 games. The veteran handled a season-high 10 touches in Week 15 with Chris Rodriguez Jr. inactive, but he had only three touches with Rodriguez back last week against the Eagles. It will likely be a similar situation for McNichols on Christmas Day against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, where the Commanders could be starting journeyman quarterback Josh Johnson with the status of Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) in doubt. McNichols shouldn't be considered as a fantasy option in Week 17.