Another veteran running back is being let go Tuesday. The Texans are releasing Marlon Mack, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter).
Mack, 26, experienced significant highs and lows during his five-year tenure with the Colts. In 2018 and 2019, he established himself as a legitimate No. 1 back with nearly 2,000 rushing yards, but injuries have limited him to just seven games played since.
With the Colts comfortable in moving forward with Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines, it came as little surprise when Mack made the intra-divisional move to sign in Houston. The Texans represented an opportunity for the former fourth-rounder to once operate as a lead back, something which seemed to be made even more possible when the team’s initial depth chart named him as the starter.
Instead, that designation will now, in all likelihood, go to rookie Dameon Pierce. The Florida product put up relatively modest yardage totals even in his final season (574 on the ground, 216 through the air), though he found the end zone 16 times in 2021. His lack of usage by the Gators – he received 206 carries across his final two seasons – likely hurt his draft stock, but his training camp and preseason performances have clearly impressed the coaching staff.
Pierce will be supported by veteran Rex Burkhead in the backfield, who led the team in rushing yards last season. The team’s effectiveness in the ground game – or lack thereof – stands to be improved upon with Pierce leading the way. Mack, meanwhile, will look to find a new roster spot as an experienced backup looking to rebuild his free agent value.
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