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Is Joe Mixon playing in the Divisional Round or is he out? Is Mixon injured or healthy for the Divisional Round? Joey Pollizze analyzes the latest injury news.
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon has been a workhorse for the team during the 2024-2025 season. The veteran totaled 245 carries during the regular season and added another 25 carries in last week's playoff win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
However, there is a chance that Mixon will not be available to suit up in the Divisional Round against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 28-year-old running back is dealing with an ankle injury that could keep him out of Saturday's game.
So, will Mixon play today? Let's dive in and find out.
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Joe Mixon Fantasy Football Injury Update
Mixon looked just fine in last week's win over the Chargers, rushing for 106 yards and one touchdown. However, he was added to the injury report on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. After practicing in full on Tuesday, the Texans running back was downgraded to limited in Wednesday's practice.
Then, he did not practice on Thursday and was deemed questionable for Saturday's game against the Chiefs. Nonetheless, it would be a complete shock if Mixon did not suit up in the Divisional Round.
From @GMFB: It’s looking like no Zay Flowers (knee) for the #Ravens this week, while #Texans RB Joe Mixon is believed to have a real shot to play on Saturday vs the #Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/nSAAUtLXM8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 17, 2025
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, he said on Friday morning that the injury is minor and that Mixon has "a very, very real chance to play, and barring something unforeseen, that probably is the way it goes." With the season on the line, the veteran has a good chance to be out there with his teammates.
Joe Mixon Fantasy Football Injury Impact
If Mixon manages to suit up on Saturday, he should be in line to receive his normal workload. However, expectations should be tempered for the veteran running back in fantasy. The Chiefs gave up the fewest fantasy points to the position in the regular season, and running backs have averaged only 3.78 yards per carry on the ground against this front seven this year.
Texans running back, Joe Mixon who was listed as questionable with an ankle injury loaded the bus without any noticeable pain or limp. pic.twitter.com/47jr88viSM
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) January 17, 2025
If Mixon were to miss, Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale would likely split the running back opportunities on Saturday. Ogunbowale was the biggest beneficiary when the veteran missed three games earlier in the year. So, he might be the preferred back to start in DFS contests, given his potential usage in the passing game.
Ogunbowale caught 12 passes in the three games Mixon missed earlier in the year. That's why he would be a sneaky DFS play. As for Pierce, he figures to be the team's early down back, but it might be tough to trust him in DFS contests against a very good Chiefs run defense.
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