Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Tahj Brooks

Wednesday, August 27, 10:36 AM

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio was non-committal on whether running back Joe Mixon (ankle) will play during the 2025 season when asked at a Wednesday press conference, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston. The veteran back is on the reserve/non-football injury list, meaning he will miss at least the first four games, but the Texans haven't seemed especially optimistic about his return. Caserio said Mixon will be evaluated after four weeks, but ultimately answered, 'We'll see,' when asked if the running back would come back this season. Houston signed Nick Chubb, still rosters Dameon Pierce, and drafted Woody Marks earlier this year to round out its backfield.

Saturday, August 30, 3:29 PM

According to James Rapien of SI, Cincinnati Bengals running back Tahj Brooks is projected to occupy the No. 3 spot on the depth chart behind Chase Brown and Samaje Perine. "Brown is locked in as the starter and will play a ton," wrote Rapien. "Perine will get plenty of snaps when Brown needs a break or on specific passing downs. Brooks is capable of doing a little bit of everything as a rookie. All three backs will play, but this is expected to be the 'Chase Brown Show.'" The 23-year-old was selected in the sixth round in April's NFL Draft after spending his collegiate career at Texas Tech. While he managed to find a place on the roster, his fantasy value is limited, even in dynasty formats, as long as Brown is in the equation. His worth as an insurance policy is also basically non-existent currently, especially with Perine in the mix. The Bengals will begin the 2025 campaign with a trip to Cleveland to face the Browns in an AFC North showdown.