Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Kaleb Johnson

Tuesday, October 7, 11:41 AM

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio said the team will have clarity on running back Joe Mixon's (foot/ankle) health status for the "duration of the year" at some point "over the next few weeks." Mixon has not played yet in 2025, and the team has provided little to no information about a possible return timeline. It seems possible, if not likely, that the 29-year-old will miss the entirety of the season. If that's the case, Houston will likely continue splitting backfield work between veteran Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks. Chubb has recorded 58 carries for 249 yards and two touchdowns so far this season. Marks has logged 233 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 42 total touches, and could eventually work his way into the lead role over the course of the season.

Tuesday, September 30, 11:59 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson had his best chance yet for a breakout game in Week 4 with Steelers RB1 Jaylen Warren (knee) sidelined by a knee injury. However, Johnson remained stuck behind veteran back Kenneth Gainwell, who logged 134 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 25 total touches against the Minnesota Vikings. Johnson had just six carries for 22 yards, and has recorded just eight carries for 21 yards on the season. Pittsburgh has a bye in Week 5, and Warren may be ready to return in Week 6 for the Steelers' matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Even if Warren remains out, there's little reason to think Johnson would be set to jump Gainwell on the running back depth chart in Pittsburgh. The 22-year-old rookie maintains fantasy appeal in dynasty leagues, but he's tough to roster with any confidence in redraft formats.