Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Raheem Mostert

Monday, December 29, 1:56 PM

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) will not return this season, league sources told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. The expectation all along has been that Mixon would not return at all in 2025, but now it's official. The Texans haven't released many details on the nature of Mixon's foot/ankle injury, but we know that he hasn't played since back in the spring. The 29-year-old remains on the Non-Football Injury list. At this point, it's fair to wonder if he'll be effective at all if he's able to make it back and play in 2026. The Texans will continue to move forward with rookie Woody Marks as their primary ball-carrier, with veteran Nick Chubb and rookie Jawhar Jordan backing him up heading into the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts.

Sunday, December 28, 2:59 PM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (ankle, knee) is inactive for his team's Week 17 matchup against the New York Giants due to ankle and knee injuries. The 33-year-old has recorded 174 scrimmage yards on 34 touches across 12 games so far this season in a backup role behind Raiders RB1 Ashton Jeanty. With Mostert sidelined, Jeanty could see more of a true three-down role in Week 17 against New York. Raiders reserve running backs Dylan Laube and Zamir White could see an uptick in playing time as well. The Giants have been one of the NFL's worst defenses against the run this season, so Jeanty could be in line for a big day if he dominates backfield touches in Week 17.