Houston Texans running back welcomes arrival of veteran Joe Mixon

The Houston Texans are in the midst of training camp as they prepare for the Hall of Fame game in less than a week. The team has now gotten a good look at its new signings as well as its rising core of young players.

With head coach DeMeco Ryans entering his second season, the team should be able to improve on last year’s 10-win season. The offense is also led by CJ Stroud, a star quarterback entering his second season in the league.

If there’s not enough reason to be excited among the Texans’ returning players on both sides of the ball, the club added receiver Stefon Diggs, running back Joe Mixon and defensive lineman Danielle Hunter this offseason.

READ MORE: Houston Texans’ Dameon Pierce ‘feeling good’ after disappointing year

Returning running back Dameon Pierce is excited to have Mixon in the running backs room as a leader and a good example for himself in his young career.

“I’m not going to lie, I love having Joe. I love having veterans in the room… I’ve never played with a guy like Joe. A 1,000-yard rusher in this league,” Pierce said. “He’s someone I look up to. It’s something I aspire to do,” Pierce said. “I think it’s something every back wants in this league, especially as a young player.”

In 2022, Pierce started in all 13 games he played. Last season, he was pushed into the background by Devin Singletary, starting just seven of his 14 games. He’s hoping to bounce back this season by playing alongside Mixon, and he’s learning from him in the process.

With Mixon sidelined due to a minor injury, Pierce is leading the running backs room and has been impressive in that capacity. It also helps that he has a running back he once admired alongside him on the sideline.

READ MORE: Houston Texans WR Noah Brown among top NFL trade targets

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