Watch: Texans RB Dameon Pierce has 98-yard TD on kickoff return
The Houston Texans need other offensive playmakers to step up without star rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was sidelined for the second straight week with a concussion.
Second-year running back Dameon Pierce is doing that.
Against the Cleveland Browns (9-5), Pierce returned a kickoff for a 98-yard TD, cutting the deficit to 14-7 with 11:51 in the second quarter.
Pierce — a former second-round pick out of Florida — has backtracked after he rushed for 939 yards in 13 games in his rookie season. In 11 games this season, the 23-year-old has rushed for 394 yards and two TDs on 134 carries. Perhaps the big play will help him regain confidence and build some momentum.
The Texans (8-6) are third in the AFC South and in the thick of the playoff hunt. Their matchup against the Browns is a must-win game. The New York Times simulator notes Houston's playoff chances will fall from 51 to 33 percent if it loses.
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