Mixon sidelined Thursday

Bengals RB Joe Mixon (ankle) did not practice on Thursday. He either suffered a setback with that ankle or got the day off. Tomorrow's practice participation and final injury report will tell the story. With RB Samaje Perine still on the COVID list, rookie Chris Evans could be left as the lead back for Sunday's game vs. the Lions.

The Texans and RB Joe Mixon agreed to a three-year extension worth $27 million total with $13 million guaranteed, according to insider Jordan Schultz. If there was any doubt that Mixon will be Houston's clear lead back at least this coming season, this deal should erase it. The 27-year-old is on the downside of his career but can still carry a load on the ground and is reliable in the passing game. Set to see nice volume in an ascending Texans offense, Mixon has a shot to turn in another RB1 fantasy season in 2024.

You might have thought the Bengals were going to release Joe Mixon ... because that's what got reported Monday. Instead, though, Cincinnati is trading the RB to Houston. That's about as good an outcome as Mixon could have found. Houston jumped from 31st in offensive DVOA in 2022 to 14th last year -- with the run game (19th) trailing the pass offense (10th). Further maturation for QB C.J. Stroud and his young wideouts can only help. And the Texans clearly believe Mixon to be an upgrade over the Devin Singletary-Dameon Pierce tandem. Trading for Mixon's contract ($6 million cap hit in 2024) instead of waiting for him to hit the open market says Houston wants Mixon to lead the backfield. Perhaps Mixon draws fewer targets in an offense unlikely to pass as much as Cincinnati's. But it should be a good spot for his efficiency and scoring opportunities. Mixon played all 17 games in 2023, scored the second-most TDs of his career (despite the Bengals' injury-driven offensive issues), and showed no meaningful drop-off across his advanced metrics. Consider him a high-RB2 for 2024 drafts, with upside into RB1 range. Check our best ball rankings for his updated position.

NFL Network reports that the Bengals are releasing RB Joe Mixon. This doesn't come as a huge surprise, given the annual reports of it being possible. At the same time, Cincinnati has also agreed to a two-year deal with Zack Moss. The former Colt figures to share the backfield with 2023 fifth-round pick Chase Brown. We'll head toward summer assuming Moss will get the larger share of the workload. But his $4.5 million salary for 2024 doesn't necessarily guarantee him a "lead" role. Mixon, meanwhile, is coming off a rebound season and should get a shot elsewhere. We'll see whether the release knocks Mixon further below his RB27 Underdog Fantasy ADP. He's still worth a look in that range of best ball drafts but adds risk as long as he's without a team. Moss should settle into low-RB2 range, while Brown probably should be more of a low RB3. Check our best ball rankings for updates.

Bengals RB Joe Mixon ran the ball 21 times for 65 yards in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs. He added 4 receptions for 22 yards and a TD. Mixon has been losing work to Chase Brown over the previous four weeks, but out-touched Brown 25-5 in this game. The Bengals have a potential out to cut Mixon after this season. If that happens, the soon-to-be 28-year-old (in July) would be no guarantee to find a new starting gig. Mixon's best bet for 2024 fantasy value would likely be to stick in Cincinnati.

Bengals RB Joe Mixon struggled in Week 16 vs. the Steelers, logging just 41 rushing yards on 11 carries in the contest. Saturday’s outcome marks the second consecutive game in which the veteran has failed to reach 50 rushing yards and spells some concern about his chances at rebounding in the fantasy championship. He’ll be set to square off against a Chiefs defense that ranks as the ninth-toughest RB matchup per our adjusted fantasy points allowed and should be best considered as an RB2 candidate.