Dameon Pierce

Texans HC DeMeco Ryans said he thinks of Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce “as a one-two punch.”

Pierce continues to gain offseason steam in the coach-speak department despite the Texans trading for Joe Mixon and signing him to a three-year, $27 million contract extension. Ryans praised Pierce for his work this offseason, saying he “changed his body” and “has everything it takes to be a really good running back” for the Texans. Pierce struggled mightily in his second season as a pro, rushing for 145-416-2 while averaging a dismal 2.9 YPC. He eventually lost the starting role to Devin Singletary, seeing just 40 touches over the final seven regular season games. Mixon will be 28 at the start of the season. While he’s expected to handle the majority of backfield touches, he’s on the wrong side of the running back age cliff and could be spelled frequently for Pierce in hopes of keeping both backs fresh. Pierce doesn’t have much fantasy upside as long as Mixon is healthy and playing well, but he’s worth rostering as a backfield backup if Mixon were to miss time.