The Houston Texans announced on Monday afternoon that RB Joe Mixon will miss at least the first four games of the 2025 regular season due foot and ankle issues. Mixon, 29, was Houston’s lead back last season but has been sidelined all offseason with the injuries. It was unclear if he’d be ready for Week 1 and now we know that he’ll be reevaluated after the first four contests.
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With this news, there begs the big fantasy football question: Who do you target at RB for the Texans? Matt Harmon was joined by Ray Garvin to discuss the situation on The Yahoo Fantasy Forecast.
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Right now, there are four potential backs who could end up in the mix. Veteran Nick Chubb was brought in coming off two major injuries; he’s only appeared in 10 games the past two seasons. Head coach DeMeco Ryans also wasn’t impressed by how Chubb looked earlier in camp. But when healthy, Chubb was one of the best RBs in the NFL. Harmon believes Chubb should be the one who will get the first crack at leading the backfield.
Dameon Pierce, once viewed as the potential lead back of the future in Houston, is still in the mix despite regressing after his rookie season. He rushed for 939 yards and four TDs back in 2022, also adding 30 catches for 165 yards and another TD. Pierce has mostly played in a backup role the past few seasons and since Mixon joined the team. Harmon doesn’t think Pierce’s rookie season was a fluke and perhaps we see a return to form now that he’s back in the spotlight.
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Rookie Woody Marks is getting the most hype after having a strong preseason. He received 20 touches over three preseason games, racking up 83 yards and a rushing touchdown in the process. He’s got the freshest legs in the backfield for Houston and should get a crack at being the lead back.
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Dare Ogunbowale, a veteran pass-catching specialist, could also fight for snaps with Mixon out. Garvin makes sure he gives Ogunbowale a quick shoutout.
Harmon doesn’t have a strong lean at the moment and he suggests drafters should be open to taking any of the first three names mentioned. One thing both the analysts can agree on is to avoid Mixon in your draft.
“You’re catching the falling knife, you’re not finding some secret value (with how late Mixon will go in drafts now),” Harmon said.
The other angle Harmon points out is QB CJ Stroud, who will have more pressure on him if this RB contingent isn’t effective. Stroud may need to throw the ball a ton, which isn’t a bad thing for some of the Texans’ pass catchers.