Joe Mixon to miss Week 14 in first week eligible to return

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon is eligible to return to practice from the injured reserve list, but he will not be playing this week, per Ben Baby. The Bengals have their first practice as they begin preparations for their Week 14 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys, and head coach Zac Taylor confirmed Mixon’s status at his press conference.

Taylor would not rule out a Mixon return this season, but given the running back has been sidelined since injuring his foot in Week 6, it’s hard to be optimistic about his status. The team waited until Week 11 to place him on IR, and that requires a minimum three-game absence.

The Bengals have been eliminated from playoff contention and rookie quarterback Joe Burrow is done for the season. There’s not much incentive to rush Mixon back as the team plays out the string. You’re welcome to keep him on your fantasy football rosters for the time being, but it would not be a huge gamble releasing him if you face a roster crunch.