Houston Texans’ Dameon Pierce reestablishes OTA role

Dameon Pierce was once considered the best running back for the Houston Texans. He was arguably Houston’s best offensive weapon during its 3-13-1 record in 2022.

If not for an ankle injury that forced him to miss the final four games, Pierce would have finished his freshman season with 1,000 rushing yards. He finished the year with 939 yards on 220 attempts and four touchdowns.

READ MORE: Third Annual Frank Ross Coaches’ Cup Leads to Accomplished Event

However, as he prepares for his third season, Pierce is far from the player who once led the team as the best running back.

His struggles during the 2023 season led the Texans to rely on Devin Singletary as their starter. In March, general manager Nick Caserio and coach DeMeco Ryans felt the need to send a seventh-round pick to the Cincinnati Bengals for Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon. A month later, Houston drafted Louisville’s Jawhar Jordan in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Pierce’s role within the franchise appears bleak. However, his progress in early OTAs has Ryans believing the third-year running back will play a vital role within the Texans’ offense during the 2024 season.

“What I’ve seen from Dameon this offseason, he’s a guy who’s worked hard,” Ryans said. “I see Dameon has a very clear headspace as we work, and I think that will allow him to have a really productive year this year. He has everything it takes to be a really good running back for us, and I think him and Joe (Mixon), as a double, would be very beneficial for all of us.”

Pierce was selected fourth overall by the Texans in the 2022 NFL Draft. He played in 27 games, totaling 1,355 yards and six touchdowns on 365 attempts. In 2023, Pierce finished with 416 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games. Ryans sees the Texans using a two-back system in hopes of improving the team’s rushing attack in 2024.

“He’s changed his body, he’s strong, he’s been training every day in the offseason,” Ryans said. “Not only here training, but I’m also proud of Dameon for coming back and finishing his degree in Florida. So just the complete man, training as a football player, but also finishing this degree means a lot to him.”

READ MORE: Dylan Horton’s remission becomes an ‘inspiration’ in OTAs

Stick with TexansGameday for more coverage on the Houston Texans throughout the offseason.

Be sure to subscribe to our daily podcast Locked on the Texans Today!

Follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24.