The Houston Texans will more than likely be without rookie Dameon Pierce when they take on the Kansas City Chiefs.
The fourth-round running back injured his ankle in the fourth quarter of the 27-23 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14. Pierce left AT&T Stadium in Arlington in a walking boot.
“It’s going to be tough not having him this week, but we have a lot of guys who are talented and ready to step up in that room and make plays,” quarterback Davis Mills told reporters Dec. 14. “It’s kind of that next man up mentality. We’re ready for anyone to go up and start taking those touches.”
The Texans made a move to their running back corps by waiving Eno Benjamin and signing Gerrid Doaks to the practice squad. However, it will more than likely be Rex Burkhead and Dare Ogunbowale who carry the load for Houston.
Mills says that working with the Texans’ running backs in practice every day is what engenders confidence in him they can get the job done.
Said Mills: “Being with them every day gives confidence. We know exactly what they’re capable of. We know they’re going to go out there and do the right thing. Both of those guys are very talented, and they’re able to win their one-on-ones.”
The Texans could also move the ball on the ground in a unique way with backup quarterback Jeff Driskel. The 6-4, 235-pound signal caller rushed seven times for 36 yards in the Week 14 loss, but his run-pass option plays sparked the offense.