Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Nyheim Hines

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.

Saturday, October 11, 8:37 PM

According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, the Los Angeles Chargers elevated Nyheim Hines off the practice squad ahead of the Week 6 meeting with the Miami Dolphins, marking his first taste of regular-season action since 2022. Najee Harris (Achilles) is done for the rest of the season, and Omarion Hampton (ankle) will miss at least the next four contests. As a result, Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal are expected to split carries out of the backfield, presumably leaving Hines with the leftover scraps. It's unknown how long Hines will suit up for the Bolts moving ahead, especially if the team brings in another running back sometime soon. Either way, Haskins, Vidal, and Hines won't be relevant from a fantasy standpoint once Hampton is cleared to return.