Small signs might tell a greater story than just a couple of quotes and comments. On Saturday, Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans might have revealed the easiest tell-tale sign of all.
Third-year running back Dameon Pierce didn’t play in the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams. Most times, the final preseason game is made for those on the bubble as a last audition to show why they should make the active roster.
Pierce didn’t play. Neither did C.J. Stroud, Tank Dell or any other member of the reining AFC South champions who are expected to be focal points to a postseason run in 2024.
With the decision to sit Pierce, Ryans showed his cards regarding the running back’s fate: Pierce will either make the roster for Week 1 or be traded to a running back-needy team.
Dameon Pierce pic.twitter.com/rXxjAunBwb
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) June 9, 2023
But he won’t receive a pink slip before Tuesday’s 3 p.m. deadline. Peirce is going to be on an active roster next week.
“I didn’t play Dameon because I’ve seen enough from Dameon in practice and everything,” Ryans said of his decision Saturday. “I’ve had a good look at Dameon.”
Pierce, a former fourth-round pick out of Florida in 2022, was expected to be. a foundational piece of Houston’s offense after a breakout rookie season. Had it not been for a foot injury, there’s a chance he would have been the first running back since Carlos Hyde to break 1,000 yards after starting the first 13 games with 939.
Then came the firing of Pep Hamilton and the arrival of Bobby Slowik. A sophomore slump ensued under the new zone-heavy run style. Pierce started the first nine games before trading places with Devin Singletary.
He averaged 2.9 yards per attempt and only found the end zone on a special teams touchdown.
The preseason wasn’t kind, either. Pierce played in two games and totaled 9 yards on eight carries. That’s just over a yard per rush attempt. He also wasn’t a factor in the passing game like Cam Akers or Jawhar Jordan.
So why would the Texans hold onto a player that shows regression around every turn? There are multiple facets, but much like the question, Houston has been incomplete.
The Drive's @RealRonHughley thinks it's time for a change of scenery for Texans RB Dameon Pierce.
📶 More: https://t.co/QIGIL2WJhp pic.twitter.com/GQJox7CGo5
— SportsRadio 610 (@SportsRadio610) August 26, 2024
Starters rarely saw action in the preseason, playing just four total drives in two games. During that time, Tytus Howard missed a start against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Laremy Tunsil didn’t play at all as he was recovering from knee surgery.
It’s hard to gauge what type of player one can be without a healthy offensive line. Even if injuries occur during the regular season, Pierce should have a chance to prove his value behind a healthy unit.
In practice, he has. Throughout drills, the former Florida star has ripped off runs for multiple first-down gains with Tunsil opening creases. He also offers special teams upside as one of the Texan’s top returners.
The Texans could trade Pierce for the right offer, thus benching him would have been wise to keep his value high. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys or Carolina Panthers need running back help.
For a Day 3 pick, Pierce would get a fresh start and the Texans would land a draft pick and roster spot. Jordan, a sixth-round pick out of Louisville, showed potential working with the second-team offense and would warrant a roster spot if it wasn’t for Pierce.
RB Dameon Pierce is a player to keep an eye on via trade.
Now behind Joe Mixon and Cam Akers, can he be had for a 6th or a 7th round draft pick?
Went from 939 yards as a rookie to 416 in his sophomore year due to an offensive scheme change.Young player low risk high reward pic.twitter.com/59jqHHoZhx
— G from Jersey (@formula_g201) August 26, 2024
Cutting a player who’s been a Jeykll/Hype version of himself between practice and gamedays doesn’t make sense. A potent OTA has kept Pierce on the coach’s radar while a struggling preseason might not translate to Sundays where reps count.
The Texans could cut ties with Pierce if he struggles at the season’s midway point. They could trade him at the deadline to free up cap space.
But Pierce is staying put for now. Houston still thinks his best is ahead. He’ll have to live up to the presumed potential now.
“We just have to give him more opportunities, but we have to block it better up front, so he does have the opportunities to make some plays in the running game,” Ryans said.