Should I drop Joe Mixon for fantasy football Week 4? Is Joe Mixon a safe player to cut? Read the fantasy football waivers outlook.
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon has been sidelined since July due to a foot/ankle injury. Since hitting the non-football injury/reserve list, Mixon has yet to resume football activities.
Even though his potential Week 5 activation date is quickly approaching, Mixon has yet to practice, suggesting his return is much farther than expected.
Should fantasy managers drop Mixon from their roster? Let's dive in!
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Should I Drop Joe Mixon in Fantasy Football?
Given the lack of updates regarding his status, fantasy managers should look to drop Joe Mixon from Week 4. With Mixon not showing any signs of progress, there is no guarantee that the veteran running back will be cleared to return to action anytime soon.
However, managers who have IR spots should consider continuing to stash him, as he does not occupy a position on your bench and would likely take over the starting job in Houston upon his return.
Earlier in August, when asked about Mixon's status this season, Texans GM Nick Caserio did not provide a clear timeline for a potential return, further suggesting he still has a long recovery process ahead of him.
Has Joe Mixon Lost All Fantasy Value? https://t.co/NvEwkZhbQz
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) September 18, 2025
On Saturday, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that the team expects an update regarding Mixon sometime in mid-October. However, this still leaves his timetable quite vague and could still suggest he will remain sidelined through at least November.
As a result, Mixon is a safe drop candidate in all 12-team leagues without an IR spot heating up in Week 4.
Who Should I Pickup for Fantasy Football?
With Mixon going to the waiver wire, several running backs carry not only higher short-term value, but also higher long-term value. In Washington, with Austin Ekeler (Achilles) out for the season, and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt questionable for Week 4, fantasy managers should look to pick up either Chris Rodriguez Jr. or Jeremy McNichols.
Both running backs could carve out a prominent role and have shown flashes of upside at times this season.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. in Line For Lead Back Duties on Sunday? https://t.co/UdcanZXrTU
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) September 26, 2025
In addition, fantasy managers should look to drop Mixon to add fellow Houston rookie Woody Marks. While Nick Chubb has operated as the team's No. 1 option throughout the opening month, Marks has seen his role steadily climb each week and could take over the starting job very soon.
In their Week 3 loss to the Jaguars, Marks saw a season-high six attempts and logged 48% of the snaps.
Lastly, managers looking to swap Mixon for an upside stash option should consider targeting Chicago Bears rookie Kyle Monangai, Chiefs rookie Brashard Smith, or Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (ankle), who is on the verge of returning from the IR. All three running backs could take a large role in their backfield in the near future.
Who Should I Pickup Tool
Trying to decide who to pickup off the waiver wire instead? Check the Who Should I Pickup tool here:
Compare up to four players and we'll tell you who to pickup...

Who Should I Pickup? Looking for a replacement? Some common 2025 fantasy football waiver wire decisions are regarding players like Woody Marks, Blake Corum, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Rachaad White, Tyler Allgeier, Jeremy McNichols, Kendre Miller, Brashard Smith. But not to worry, we are here to help make these waiver wire decisions and build winning teams in 2025. Set your optimal fantasy football lineups in 2025. Our free Who Should I Pickup? tool will help make your fantasy football waiver wire decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and we tell you who to pickup... all free! Make the right decisions.
2025 Player Decisions. Today's focus is on players like Woody Marks, Blake Corum, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Rachaad White, Tyler Allgeier, Jeremy McNichols, Kendre Miller, Brashard Smith. They are some of the most common searches for 2025 fantasy football waiver wire pickups.
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Popular Player Comparison Searches - Who To Pickup
Looking for a replacement? Below are some popular searches and comparisons from our Who To Pickup tool for 2025 for Woody Marks, Blake Corum, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Rachaad White, Tyler Allgeier, Jeremy McNichols, Kendre Miller, Brashard Smith:
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