JUST IN: Trading Pro Bowl RB already looks like mistake for Bengals

In March, the Cincinnati Bengals traded running back Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans, a decision they may now be rethinking.

On Wednesday, Mixon was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after a stellar debut with the Texans.

 

 

In the Texans’ 29-27 Week 1 road victory against the Indianapolis Colts, Mixon, a former Pro Bowler, rushed for 159 yards on 30 carries, his third-highest total in a single game, and scored a rushing touchdown (h/t: ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime). He also added three receptions for 19 yards.

Ballin’ in the mix 🤫@Joe_MainMixon is the Week 1 AFC Offensive Player of the Week 🔥 pic.twitter.com/x1A3VWtjWO

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 11, 2024

Meanwhile, the Bengals’ rushing attack struggled in a 16-10 home loss to the New England Patriots, with running backs Zack Moss and Chase Brown combining for just 55 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries.

FIRST TEXANS GAME. FIRST TOUCHDOWN.

📺: @NFLonCBS / @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/xYVixaVjoz

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 8, 2024

Although Mixon rushed for 1,034 yards in his final season with Cincinnati, the Bengals traded the 28-year-old to Houston to clear cap space, and he subsequently signed a three-year, $25.5 million deal with the Texans.

Mixon has no regrets about leaving Cincinnati, saying he’s found a better situation in Houston.

“I definitely did, man, and like I said, I feel great to be appreciated here and to play a big part in what we do,” Mixon told Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio on Sunday. “If it’s time to make a play, I’ve got to try to do whatever I can to make them. You know, be the best teammate and leader that I know how to be. I’m just happy to be on this side now.”

If Mixon continues to perform well, the Texans could develop a balanced offense that propels them into Super Bowl contention.

“He immediately brought the vision, tough and efficient running style this team needed,” wrote The Athletic’s Derrik Klassen regarding Mixon’s performance against the Colts. “For as lacking in explosive runs as he was with the Cincinnati Bengals last season, Mixon was guaranteed 3 to 5 yards anytime he touched the ball.”

The Bengals might bounce back from their disappointing loss, but questions remain about quarterback Joe Burrow, who completed 21 of 29 passes for only 164 yards against New England.

Burrow’s season-ending wrist injury in 2023 might explain his current struggles to push the ball downfield. Cincinnati could ease some pressure off Burrow with a reliable lead running back, but it doesn’t appear they have one at the moment.