The Stunning Fall Of Dameon Pierce In Houston

It’s a tale as old as the NFL itself: one minute you’re the talk of the town, the next you’re cleaning out your locker. Dameon Pierce just learned that lesson the hard way. The Houston Texans, in a move that feels both shocking and completely predictable, have waived the fourth-year running back.

The 2022 Season Was The Peak

Remember when Pierce looked like the second coming of Arian Foster? Back in his rookie season of 2022, the former Florida Gator was a human bowling ball, racking up an impressive 939 yards in just 13 games. He was a lone bright spot on a truly dreadful Texans team, a fantasy football darling, and seemingly the future of Houston’s backfield. But then, as it so often does in this league, the injury bug bit. A high ankle sprain ended that promising rookie campaign, and things were never quite the same.

How Did It All Go Wrong For Dameon Pierce?

The writing has been on the wall for a while. The beginning of the end was the arrival of DeMeco Ryans’ new regime. While Ryans has been a godsend for the Texans franchise, turning them into contenders, his arrival spelled doom for Pierce.

First, the team signed veteran Devin Singletary in 2023, who promptly took over the lead running back role. Pierce was relegated to a backup, and another ankle injury didn’t help his cause. His yards-per-carry plummeted to a paltry 2.9. Then, Houston went out and got Joe Mixon, pushing Pierce even further down the depth chart.

Another injury, this time a hamstring, hampered him in 2024. Sure, he ripped off a wild 92-yard run that season, but that one flash of brilliance wasn’t enough to save him. When the Texans signed Nick Chubb and drafted Woody Marks this past offseason, you didn’t need to be a psychic to see where this was headed.

The Texans’ Backfield Without Pierce

What makes this timing so bizarre is that it comes just hours after reports that Joe Mixon’s foot injury will likely sideline him for the rest of the season. You’d think that would make a guy like Pierce more valuable, not less. But instead, the Texans essentially said, “Thanks, but no thanks,” and showed him the door. It’s a cold-blooded move that speaks volumes about how far he had fallen out of favor.

Houston would rather roll with the duo of Chubb and rookie Woody Marks, and apparently elevate guys from the practice squad, than give Pierce another shot. Pierce will be sitting at home, waiting for the waiver wire to work its magic. At least he can watch the Texans upset the Bills on Thursday Night Football.

What’s Next For the Former Texans RB?

Will someone take a chance on him? Absolutely. He’s only 25, and that rookie season wasn’t a mirage. Running back is a position of high attrition, and plenty of teams are desperate for depth.

Could a team like the Chargers, who seem to be in a perpetual state of needing running back help, make a claim? Or maybe the Saints, who love a good reclamation project for their rebuild? Does he want to ring chase for a team like the Bills or Colts? Don’t be surprised if a team like the Chiefs takes a chance.

For Pierce, this is a harsh reality check. He went from a fan favorite and potential franchise cornerstone to unemployed in the blink of an eye. It’s a brutal reminder that the NFL stands for “Not For Long.” One can only hope he lands on his feet and rediscovers the explosive, tackle-breaking form that made him so exciting to watch in the first place.