Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Omarion Hampton

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.

Sunday, October 12, 9:16 AM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) is expected to spend more than the minimum four weeks on injured reserve, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. The injury that the rookie suffered in Week 5 appears to be serious enough that he'll be out through at least Week 10, and perhaps longer. The Chargers have a Week 12 bye, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Los Angeles hold him out until Week 13, giving him an extra week off to rest. Losing both Hampton and Najee Harris (Achilles) is a major blow for the Chargers, who will turn to Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal but could also look to make external running back additions.