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.
