Tag: Dameon Pierce

Will Dameon Pierce play today? Latest injury updates for Texans RB

Will Dameon Pierce be in the Houston Texans’ backfield for Week 9’s matchup against the New York Jets?

With the Houston Texans on a short week, current injured players might be out again if not fully cleared.

That seems to be the case for third-year running back Dameon Pierce, who has been limited since his breakout game in Week 6 on the road against the New England Patriots.

Will Pierce suit up on “Thursday Night Football” when the Texans take on the New York Jets? Here’s what happened and his current status entering Thursday morning.

Dameon Pierce injury update

While Pierce played in Sunday’s win over the Indianapolis Colts, he was limited to just one carry for four yards. Against the Green Bay Packers in Week 7, only rushed for four yards on two attempts.

The Texans ruled Pierce out with a groin issue during this week’s practice. He will not play in Thursday’s game against the AFC East franchise, meaning it’ll be more of the Joe Mixon show. 

This is the second time this season that Pierce has dealt with a lingering lower-body issue. After Week 1’s road win over the Colts, the former Texans’ starter missed four games with a hamstring injury before returning against New England.

How long will Dameon Pierce be out?

Lower body injuries are tough to determine since it’s all based on the movement of the body. Pierce could return next Sunday against the Detroit Lions if he’s healthy entering Monday’s practice.

He also could find himself on the injured reserve if the issue worsens, thus leading to him missing at least the next four games.

Dameon Pierce stats

Pierce has flashed the potential to be a decent No. 2 option behind Mixon this season. In four games he’s rushed for 98 yards, though 54 came on a touchdown run in the fourth quarter against New England.

Pierce is averaging 7.0 yards per attempt on 14 carries.

Texans RB depth chart

With Pierce out, Mixon likely will see at least 90% of reps. Last week, the Texans totaled 29 rushing plays, with Mixon recording 25 carries. He’s been the offensive backbone since returning from injury in Week 6.

Houston also recently elevated running back J.J. Taylor to the active roster in place of Stefon Diggs, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Sunday’s win over the Colts.  Here’s the rest of the running backs on the active roster:

  • Joe Mixon
  • Dare Ogunbowale
  • J.J. Taylor

Ogunbowale is often the change-of-pace back on third down and should see action in the passing game. He helped Houston secure a 24-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4 with his 1-yard touchdown reception with 18 seconds remaining.

Kickoff from MetLife Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT.

Texans RB Dameon Pierce finally breaks out in win vs. Patriots

Dameon Pierce looked like his rookie form while high-tailing it to the end zone in Sunday’s win over the New England Patriots.

Joe Mixon’s performance against the New England Patriots wasn’t the only prominent running back making headlines for the Houston Texans Sunday afternoon.

Dameon Pierce showed off that same spark that made him a fan-favorite during his rookie season as Houston picked up the 41-21 win over the New England Patriots. After missing four games due to a hamstring injury, Pierce seemed to kick it into a new gear.

Pierce, a third-year runner from Florida, rushed for 76 yards and scored on a 54-yard touchdown run to put the game out of reach. On eight carries, he averaged 9.5 yards per attempt.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway was Pierce’s explosiveness, something that had been missing since setting the tone during his rookie season. According to NFL’s Next Gen Stats,  Pierce reached 20.72 mph at top speed on his 54-yard score.

The touchdown run marked the second-longest attempt of his career, only to be a 75-yard touchdown run over the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022.

“Dameon made the most of his opportunities and there you go, he has a big explosive run for a touchdown, one of the best runs we’ve seen him have since we’ve been here,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said postgame.

Entering Week 6, Houston ranked 23rd in rushing behind performances from Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale. Mixon, who finished with 132 total yards and two touchdowns, was out for three games with an ankle injury.

After Sunday’s performance, the Texans rank 13th in rushing, averaging 118.8 yards per game and 4.5 yards per run. They averaged 6.9 yards per attempt in Sunday’s win and totaled five rushing first downs.

As for Pierce, the sophomore slump could be a thing of the past. While he finished with 416 rushing yards, his contact total dropped from 4.3 as a rookie to 2.9.

Through two games, Pierce is averaging 8.4 yards per attempt. Even if you were to take out the 54-yard score, he’d still be averaging just around 4.0 yards per run.

The Texans travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers next Sunday at noon CT.

Texans receive postive update on RB Dameon Pierce

Dameon Pierce might be back on the field for the Houston Texans for the first time since Week 1 this weekend.

The Houston Texans could be getting a piece of their ground game back in time for Sunday’s matchup against the New England Patriots.

Running back Dameon Pierce was a limited participant at practice Wednesday afternoon. This has been the first time in three weeks that Pierce has taken part in contact drills after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 1’s win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said that barring a setback, Pierce will play at Gillette Stadium when the Texans take on the 1-4 Patriots.

Pierce, who missed the previous four games, returned to practice last Friday but later was ruled out before Sunday’s inactive list was released to the public. He’s expected to be the No. 2 runner behind Pro Bowler Joe Mixon, but both have been sidelined for the past three weeks with lower-body extremities.

Pierce could potentially move into a vital role in Houston’s backfield this weekend if Mixon is unavailable versus the Patriots, though he also could split reps with Dare Ogunbowale and Cam Akers. After losing starting reps last season to Devin Singletary, Pierce has been limited on the ground.

In Week 1’s win over the Colts, Pierce finished with 16 yards off three carries. The Texans still believe there’s hope he can be an essential part of the offensive game plan.

Kickoff for Week 6 is scheduled for noon CT.

Report: Texans RB Dameon Pierce’s Week 5 status revealed

Dameon Pierce won’t suit up on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills despite returning to practice Friday afternoon.

Despite returning to practice for the first time in three weeks, Dameon Pierce will wait at least until Week 6 before taking the field.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Pierce will miss his fourth consecutive game Sunday against the Buffalo Bills due to a hamstring injury. Pierce was always going to be a game-time decision after being limited on Friday.

Pierce hasn’t played since Week 1 after totaling nine offensive snaps and carried three times for 16 yards against Indianapolis. His return would have been beneficial since Joe Mixon has been ruled out for a third straight week due to an ankle injury.

Cam Akers will likely lead Houston’s backfield for the third straight game, with Dare Ogunbowale serving as his primary backup. The Texans also elevated J.J. Taylor from the practice squad.

Houston’s inability to run the ball has hindered the offensive success over the last three games. In Sunday’s win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston averaged 3.9 yards between Akers, Taylor and Ogunbowale.

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs scored a touchdown on an 8-yard run in the first quarter.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Jaguars vs. Texans: Friday injury reports and game statuses

Jaguars vs. Texans: Friday injury reports and game statuses

The Jaguars and Texans have deemed a combined six players questionable and five players out of their Week 4, AFC South matchup in Houston.

Jacksonville will be without starting tight end Evan Engram for a third consecutive game, and starting linebacker Foyesade Oluokun for the first of what is expected to be several weeks.

Additionally, three starting Jaguars — wide receiver Gabe Davis, linebacker Devin Lloyd and safety Darnell Savage Jr. — enter the weekend questionable. So does Savage’s backup, Jarrian Jones.

Houston similarly won’t have a pair of starters available Sunday, wide receiver Tank Dell and safety Jimmie Ward. Starting running back Joe Mixon enters the game questionable while his backup, Dameon Pierce, is out.

However, star Texans receiver Nico Collins intends to play after joining the injury report on Thursday.

Find Jacksonville and Houston’s Friday injury reports and initial game statuses for Week 4 below.

* indicates status upgrade from the previous practice

Jaguars injury report

  • OL Cam Robinson (knee) — full*
  • OL Anton Harrison (knee) — full*
  • CB Montaric Brown (chest) — full*
  • RB Tank Bigsby (shoulder) — limited
  • WR Gabe Davis (shoulder) — limited
  • LB Devin Lloyd (knee) — limited*
  • CB Jarrian Jones (shoulder) — limited
  • S Darnell Savage Jr. (quadriceps) — limited
  • TE Evan Engram (hamstring) — did not participate
  • DL Arik Armstead (veteran rest) — did not participate
  • LB Foyesade Oluokun (foot) — did not participate

Jaguars game statuses

  • WR Gabe Davis: QUESTIONABLE
  • LB Devin Lloyd: QUESTIONABLE
  • CB Jarrian Jones: QUESTIONABLE
  • S Darnell Savage Jr.: QUESTIONABLE
  • TE Evan Engram: OUT
  • LB Foyesade Oluokun: OUT

Texans injury report

  • WR Nico Collins (hamstring) — full*
  • TE Dalton Schultz (ankle) — full
  • OL Kenyon Green (illness) — full
  • OL Jarrett Patterson (calf) — full
  • RB Joe Mixon (ankle) — limited*
  • DT Folorunso Fatukasi (shoulder) — limited
  • RB Dameon Pierce (hamstring) — did not participate
  • WR Tank Dell (chest) — did not participate
  • S Jimmie Ward (groin) — did not participate

Texans game statuses

  • RB Joe Mixon: QUESTIONABLE
  • DT Folorunso Fatukasi: QUESTIONABLE
  • RB Dameon Pierce: OUT
  • WR Tank Dell: OUT
  • S Jimmie Ward: OUT

Texans RB Dameon Pierce expected to return vs. Jaguars

According to reports, Dameon Pierce should be back in the huddle for the Houston Texans this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

While the Houston Texans could be without running back Joe Mixon for another week, they could have one name coming off the injured list.

According to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Dameon Pierce is expected to resume activities and play in Sunday’s matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The third-year running back has been dealing with a hamstring issue and hasn’t played since Week 1.

In Week 3’s 34-7 loss against the Minnesota Vikings, Houston turned to former second-round pick Cam Akers as the lead back. Despite finding the end zone on a 6-yard pass from C.J. Stroud, Akers averaged 2.9 yards per attempt on nine carries.

https://twitter.com/NickSchwagerNFL/status/1838990448968220766

The Texans could make him the feature back against the winless Jags, but having Pierce would elevate the run game and take pressure off Stroud to win vertically.

Mixon, who suffered an ankle injury in Week 2’s win over the Bears, didn’t practice last week. The 2021 Pro Bowler didn’t make the trip to Minneapolis and could be held out until Week 5’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

“We will see where those guys are as the week goes on,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said of Pierce and Mixon’s status.

Houston hasn’t been able to duplicate its Week 1 success on the ground without Mixon. Over the past two games, the Texans have averaged less than 3.1 yards. They’ve yet to find the end zone on the ground, too.

Kickoff in the second divisional game of the season is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans inactive list: RB Dameon Pierce, WR John Metchie III out vs. Bears

Here’s who is in and who is out for the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football.

The Houston Texans will be without two key pieces on offense.

Offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, wide receiver John Metchie III and running back Dameon Pierce are inactive for Sunday night’s home opener against the Chicago Bears.

Pierce, who totaled three carries for 16 yards in last week’s win over the Colts, was dealing with a hamstring injury. Cam Akers will serve as the No. 2 runner in his place.

Scruggs, who had been dealing with a groin injury, was ruled out Sunday morning. Jarrett Patterson will start in his place.

Other inactive players for Houston include linebacker Jamal Hill, defensive back M.J. Stewart and linebacker Rashad Weaver.

For Chicago, there’s good and bad news on offense. Rookie receiver Rome Odunze, who suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain, is officially active after being questionable.

Meanwhile, receiver Keenan Allen, who’s been dealing with a heel injury, is officially inactive. He was listed as doubtful earlier Sunday morning.

Other inactive players for the Bears include receiver Velus Jones Jr., offensive lineman Kiran Amegadjie, linebacker Noah Sewell, fullback Khari Blasingame and defensive lineman Dominique Robinson.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:20 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.

Is RB Dameon Pierce a lock to make Texans’ active roster in 2024?

After not playing in Saturday’s preseason game, Dameon Pierce might have an answer on his status with the Houston Texans.

Small details sometimes say a lot more than quotes and comments. On Saturday, Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans might have revealed part of his plan at running back.

Third-year RB Dameon Pierce didn’t play in the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams. Most times, the final exhibition game is a last audition for those on the roster bubble.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud didn’t play either, nor did Tank Dell or any other key member of the reigning AFC South champions, who are widely expected to make a deep 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.

But he won’t receive a pink slip before Tuesday’s 3 p.m. deadline. Pierce 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 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 Texans running back since Carlos Hyde to break 1,000 yards after totaling 939 in the first 13 games.

Then came the firing of Pep Hamilton and the arrival of Bobby Slowik. A second-year 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. He also wasn’t a factor in the passing game like Cam Akers or Jawhar Jordan.

Why would the Texans hold on to a player who shows regression around every turn?

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 a player 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. During 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 Texans’ top returners.

Houston 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 open up 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 weren’t for Pierce.

Cutting a player who’s been a Jeykll and Hyde between practice and gamedays doesn’t make sense. A potent OTA has kept Pierce on the coaches’ radar, while a struggling preseason might not translate to Sundays.

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.

“We just have to give him more opportunities,” Ryans said, “but we have to block it better up front so he does have the opportunities to make some plays in the running game.”

Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce earn off day in Texans preseason finale

Despite an inefficient preseason, Dameon Pierce appears on his way to making the Houston Texans roster after earning an off day against Rams

Despite his inefficiencies, Dameon’s Pierce spot on the Houston Texans roster seems secure after earning an off day along with starter Joe Mixon during the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams.

Houston will use running backs, Cam Akers, Jawhar Jordan, Dare Ogunbowale, British Brooks and J.J. Taylor. Akers will be the first on the field.

It’s unclear how many running backs Houston will keep on the active roster. Akers has been the biggest riser in training camp after rushing for 59 yards on 17 attempts and catching five passes for 42 yards with a touchdown.

Ogunbowale appeared to be the favorite for the third running back spot entering camp and he may still earn a roster spot for his special teams contributions alone. He’s rushed for 28 yards and a touchdown on eight carries with an additional 21 yards receiving.

Among the trio, Taylor leads the group with 55 rushing yards, averaging 4.6 per attempt. Jordan proved to be a capable receiving back a week ago with 42 yards on four catches.

Could Texans trade RB Dameon Pierce before roster cut day?

Dameon Pierce could be playing for a roster spot or perhaps auditioning for a roster spot elsewhere heading into cut day.

Dameon Pierce once was viewed as the primary backup behind new Houston Texans runner Joe Mixon.

Entering the final preseason outing against the Los Angeles Rams, he’s fighting to remain on the roster.

The Texans have options behind the Pro Bowl runner entering 2024. And while Mixon must remain healthy, a combination of Cam Akers, Jawhar Jordan and Dare Ogunbowale might be a more stable trio than the third-year runner.

But if the Texans were to cut ties with Pierce, the hope would be they’d bring back something in a net return for him. According to NFL.com’s Eric Edholm, perhaps an RB-needy team like the Dallas Cowboys could give up a Day 3 pick with hopes of rejuvenating his career.

I doubt the Texans would release Pierce. He still could be a solid reserve. But if an RB-needy team such as the Cowboys offered a late-round pick for him, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Texans pull the trigger.

Pierce has potential. During his rookie season under Pep Hamliton’s offense, the former Florida star nearly rushed for 1,000 yards and averaged 4.2 yards per attempt as the focal point of the offense.

Once Bobby Slowik entered the equation, Pierce’s production decreased. He averaged less than three per play and only scored once. And yes, one could blame the lack of protection in the run blocking without Laremy Tunsil, but Pierce is averaging just over 1,1 yards through two preseason games.

Jordan and Akers are cheaper options, with the former being on a four-year rookie contract. Akers, who leads Houston in rushing through three preseason games, also has experience playing in Bobby Slowik’s personnel from his time with the Los Angeles Rams.

Pierce could earn his place on the roster with a strong outing against the Rams on Saturday afternoon at NRG Stadium. He also could up his value on the trade market and perhaps prove he’s a starter on a new franchise.