Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Tyler Shough

Wednesday, August 20, 1:06 PM

Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports that Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) could begin the 2025 season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, which would mean he'd miss at least the first four games. Mixon has not practiced at all during training camp this summer and hasn't even been seen working off the side on a rehab field. The 29-year-old former second-rounder by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017 out of Oklahoma had a solid first year in Houston in 2024, rushing for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns on 245 carries over 14 regular-season starts, adding 36 catches for 309 yards and another TD. He can do it all, but it's looking more likely that he won't be ready for Week 1. If Mixon is unavailable for the start of the regular season, the Texans could go with a committee backfield involving Nick Chubb, Dameon Pierce and rookie Woody Marks.

Sunday, August 17, 4:34 PM

New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough started the first half of Sunday's preseason 17-17 tie against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He went 9-of-12 for 66 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. The offense struggled to get going early, managing just three points across four drives with Shough under center, including two three-and-outs. Once expected to be the frontrunner for the Saints' Week 1 starting job, his inability to consistently move the ball, even with starting receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed on the field, combined with Spencer Rattler's solid performance, suggests momentum may be shifting against him. Shough remains a player to monitor, but he should stay off fantasy radars outside superflex or dynasty leagues.