Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Jerome Ford

Saturday, July 26, 1:50 PM

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (foot), who started training camp on the Non-Football Injury list, is expected to be out for an extended period of time due to a frustrating foot injury, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Mixon will be re-evaluated closer to the regular season to determine his availability, but it sounds as though last year's 1,000-yard rusher isn't a lock to be ready for Week 1 in early September. Dameon Pierce (undisclosed) is also on the PUP list, so Houston's backfield is pretty thin early in training camp. As things currently stand, Nick Chubb, who suffered a gruesome leg injury in 2023, is atop the depth chart, with rookie Woody Marks also set for a substantial role if both Mixon and Pierce aren't ready for the season opener. Mixon can do it all when healthy, but his health has now become an issue, and the Texans' shaky offensive line isn't a good combination.

Friday, August 8, 6:36 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford is among the players who are not expected to play for the team in its first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on Friday night. Many key offensive contributors for Cleveland are not expected to play, including wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, tight end David Njoku, and quarterback Joe Flacco. Notably, Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson is expected to suit up. With fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins still unsigned due to a July arrest, Sampson and Ford are competing for backfield snaps in Cleveland. Ford is entering his fourth season with the Browns, so he has less to prove in preseason action than Sampson.