Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Kaleb Johnson

Friday, May 30, 8:41 PM

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (foot) did not participate in voluntary OTA workouts on Friday. Mixon is currently in a walking boot, but it's reportedly not a serious injury. The star running back played through an ankle injury in the playoffs, so maybe it's not 100 percent healed yet. Regardless, fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned as Mixon should be ready to go in time for training camp. The Texans aren't going to push Mixon onto the field this early into camp when he's not fully healthy. This minor injury shouldn't impact his status on draft boards.

Monday, May 12, 12:07 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie third-round running back Kaleb Johnson knows he must improve his pass-blocking skills if he wants to earn the coaching staff's trust with the hope of becoming an "every-down back" sooner than later. At 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, Johnson led the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,537), rushing touchdowns (21) and all-purpose yards (1,725) at Iowa in 2024. He's a scheme fit for Pittsburgh's zone-centric offense given his efficient production, writes The Athletic's Mike DeFabo. Even if the 21-year-old doesn't catch a ton of passes, he could stand out in fantasy with his big-play ability. There's opportunity in the Steel City, too, with Najee Harris no longer in town. Johnson is likely going to share touches with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, but he probably has the highest fantasy upside of the trio already.