We are just a few weeks away from the season opener, and the news from training camp is beginning to pour in. In today's "Dynasty News," we will examine some of the larger happenings of the week from a dynasty perspective.
Dynasty News: RB Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
There has been little said by the Texans regarding Joe Mixon's injury. Dynasty managers are wondering how to read the murkiness around Mixon. Given that the veteran back is on the NFI list – and not PUP – it insinuates that the injury did not occur during normal football activities. Footballguys own injury analyst, Adam Hutchison, tweeted, "We have still not been given specifics but it does sound like a midfoot sprain, which carries a lot of risk but again does not rule him out for the whole season and potentially offers a value pocket at the right ADP." With both Nick Chubb and Dameon Pierce failing to stand out, we recommend dynasty managers either explore rookie Woody Marks or try to "buy" Mixon on the cheap while everyone is worried about the injury.
Dynasty News: RB Kaleb Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers
The dynasty community had high hopes for Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Kaleb Johnson. He was expected to fill the big shoes of Najee Harris, who departed in free agency. Last week, Excellent Steelers beat reporter Ray Fittipaldo told a 93.7 The Fan radio audience, "There's no way the Steelers are going to trust Kaleb Johnson to pass protect or catch the ball out of the backfield." Fittipaldo expects Jaylen Warren to have a large role early in the season with the rookie having to earn his touches. With the immobile Aaron Rodgers under center, pass protection will be a concern this season. Savvy dynasty managers may see the slow start as a "buy" opportunity as Warren is not an every-down back who can hold up for the entire season.
Dynasty News: RB Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns
There had been a cloud of mystery around the status of rookie tailback Quinshon Judkins. Last Thursday, Andy Slater broke the news that Judkins will not face any formal charges in conjunction with the alleged incident in South Florida. Daniel Oyefusi tweeted out the official statement from the state's attorney, "Prosecutors have declined to file a formal misdemeanor battery charge against Browns rookie RB Quinshon Judkins, a spokesperson for the Broward State Attorney's Office told ESPN. The decline memorandum by the State Attorney's Office says, in part: ‘This incident was not captured on any video surveillance. There are no independent witnesses to the incident. Although the victim had photos showing injuries sustained, there were also videos in that same time frame where no injuries were observed to the victim. Additionally, the victim's injuries depicted in the photos could be explained by either account of the incident. Finally, there was a delayed report of the incident. The delay is problematic as the victim was alone on numerous occasions without the Defendant, had the ability and resources to make the report without his knowledge, but chose not to do so. For the reasons set forth above, there is no reasonable likelihood of conviction, and this case is being declined.'" Judkins has not practiced and will need weeks – or even months – to get into shape, but his presence should put a ceiling on the dynasty values of Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson. Judkins is talented but needs an unofficial redshirt year as the Browns will be pitiful once again on offense.
Dynasty News: RB Najee Harris, Los Angeles Chargers
Harris has matriculated up to light exercise as he recovers from a July 4th firecracker injury to his eye. The increased exercise is a good sign of progress. For dynasty managers seeking to understand the tailback rotation of Harris and rookie Omarion Hampton, offensive coordinator Greg Roman told reporters that he will "rotate backs." Roman also said that if Harris is unable to play Week 1, "who the other back is in the rotation is wide open." Dynasty managers should expect a conservative, run-oriented offense for the Chargers. It was signaled by the signing of Harris and using a high pick on Hampton. These were valuable resources to use if the position was not a focal point. Los Angeles thinks they have a chance at the division title and will lean on the running game as much as possible.
Dynasty News: RB Alexander Mattison, Miami Dolphins
Last Tuesday, Jeremy Fowler reported that Miami tailback Alexander Mattison suffered a neck injury that will require season-ending surgery. He underwent surgery that Sunday and is expected to miss the entire 2025 season, if not more time. Mattison was signed from the Raiders to bolster the short-yardage running game, as it has been an area of weakness for the prolific offense. Expect rookie Ollie Gordon II to get a crack at this role.
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