Mixon rushed eight times for 19 yards and caught all three of his targets for 15 yards in Sunday’s 23-20 AFC Championship Game loss to the Chiefs.
With Cincinnati’s offensive line needing all the blocking help it could get against Kansas City’s pass rush, Mixon ceded significant playing time to superior blocker Samaje Perine, who had 26 scrimmage yards on eight touches, including a two-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. It was a disappointing ending to an up and down season for Mixon, who had five scrimmage touchdowns in Week 9 against the Panthers but only five touchdowns in 16 other appearances between the regular season and playoffs. Mixon has two years remaining on his deal with the Bengals, while Perine’s set to be an unrestricted free agent.