Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Kimani Vidal

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, January 9, 9:28 PM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal could see his role increase in the Wild Card Round against the Houston Texans. With starting running back J.K. Dobbins (ankle) questionable to play and Gus Edwards (ankle) returning from a two-game absence, Vidal could be needed as the next guy up. He showed some positive signs in his rookie year, but struggled to see the field near the end of the season, appearing on 11% of the team's offensive snaps in Week 17 and on only one snap total in Week 18. Still, if Dobbins is unable to suit up, Vidal figures to have a role in the backfield, especially since the presumed starter Edwards is usually a non-factor in the passing game. Vidal would not be worth fantasy consideration if Dobbins plays, however.