Fantasy Football: How to Handle Joe Mixon's Injury
Joe Mixon's injury has thrown a wrench into the plans of many fantasy football managers. The Cincinnati Bengals running back, a reliable workhorse and fantasy stud, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. While the extent of the injury is unclear, the question on everyone's mind is: How do I manage this in my fantasy league?
Assessing the Situation
The first step is to understand the severity of Mixon's injury. While the Bengals have remained tight-lipped, reports suggest it could be a multi-week absence. This means fantasy managers need a contingency plan.
Short-Term Solutions
For the immediate future:
- Streamers: If you're in a shallow league, look to the waiver wire for a one-week replacement. Players like Samaje Perine, Kenneth Walker III, or Rhamondre Stevenson could be available and offer solid production.
- Trade: If you have a surplus of running backs, you could consider trading Mixon for a player who offers immediate value. This assumes you believe Mixon's injury will linger and you need immediate help.
- Start-Sit: If you're in a deeper league, consider starting a backup running back like Perine or even a pass-catching back like James Conner or Alvin Kamara.
Long-Term Considerations
If Mixon's injury turns out to be long-term, you'll need to make a more strategic decision:
- Hold or Cut: Holding onto Mixon carries a high risk. If the injury lingers, he could be a dead weight on your roster. Cutting him could free up roster space for a more reliable option.
- Trade: Even if Mixon is injured, he's a valuable asset. You could trade him to a team that believes in his return and is in need of a running back.
- Long-Term Replacement: It's a good idea to start scouting long-term replacements. Look for young, talented running backs with potential upside who could be available via waivers or trades.
The Bottom Line
The key to handling Mixon's injury is to stay informed. Monitor the news, analyze the situation, and make the decisions that best align with your fantasy team's goals. Don't panic, but be proactive in finding solutions to ensure your fantasy season stays on track.
Remember, patience and adaptability are key in fantasy football, especially during times of injury uncertainty. Good luck!
