Expectations for RB Dameon Pierce

The Philadelphia Eagles elevated five-year veteran running back Dameon Pierce from the practice squad to the active roster on Wednesday.

With Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby both ruled out for Week 5’s international matchup with Jacksonville, Pierce will join Will Shipley in the Eagles backfield. What can we expect to see from Pierce in his first action of the season?

Pierce was originally selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. He enjoyed a very productive rookie campaign with 939 yards on 220 carries with four touchdowns on the ground and another score as a pass receiver. Pierce’s production dipped to 416 yards on 145 carries and two rushing touchdowns in 2023. However, he made an impact on special teams that year with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Unfortunately, those two years are a distant memory. Over the course of the next three years, Pierce rushed for a combined total of 329 yards. His most recent action came in 2025 as he split time with Houston and the Kansas City Chiefs. With the Chiefs, Pierce appeared in one game and carried four times for 10 yards.

Pierce showed flashes of former glory during Philadelphia’s preseason finale this year. In that contest, he rushed four times for 44 yards against Cincinnati.

At about 5-foot-10 and 218 pounds, Pierce has average long speed but runs with great power and authority. Pierce is especially adept at dragging tacklers for extra yardage. He also brings versatility as an experienced special teams player and has 45 career receptions out of the backfield.

It is possible the Eagles will use Shipley, Pierce, and another practice squad rusher in Sunday’s matchup against the Jaguars. Eagles starting quarterback Jalen Hurts is also a very prolific runner.

Philadelphia will likely split rushing duties between those four players. If Pierce could contribute 40-50 yards rushing, and possibly a reception or two out of the backfield, that would be a very successful Eagles debut for the 26-year-old veteran.