Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Travis Etienne Jr.

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, September 28, 9:38 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. dominated the San Francisco 49ers with 19 carries for 124 yards and a touchdown in his team's 26-21 Week 4 win. The 26-year-old is off to a terrific start to the 2025 season, with 65 carries for 394 yards and two touchdowns as a rusher, and six catches for 32 yards and a score as a receiver through his first four games. Etienne Jr. is also dominating backfield touches in Jacksonville so far, as Jaguars backup running backs Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. combined for just six touches in Week 4. Etienne Jr. profiles as a must-start fantasy running back going into a Week 5 showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs.