Upon returning from a hamstring injury, Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce had his best game in more than a year during a 41-21 victory at New England, finishing with 76 rushing yards and a touchdown on just eight carries. The third-year back also added one catch for one yard, but compiled most of his fantasy points on a 54-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter. Sunday marked the Florida product's highest rushing total since going for 81 yards in Week 4 of the 2023 season. Running back Joe Mixon is still the clear top option in Houston, so Pierce's usage with a big lead against a bad team could be an aberration. Houston will take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 7.
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) is off the injury report for Sunday's game against the Patriots. The 24-year-old has been sidelined since last appearing in Week 1 versus the Colts, when he finished with three carries for 16 yards. With Joe Mixon (ankle) potentially also returning for this one, Pierce's fantasy outlook isn't promising. However, even if Mixon misses another contest, Pierce will likely back up Dare Ogunbowale and Cam Akers, who have been handling things out of the backfield.
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) was upgraded to full practice participation on Thursday after being limited to start the week on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Joe Mixon (ankle) was limited after missing Wednesday's session. It appears that Houston could be getting both Pierce and Mixon back in Week 6 against the New England Patriots. Pierce hasn't played since the season-opening win over the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, but his fantasy outlook this weekend will all depend on whether Mixon returns as well as the lead back. The 24-year-old will only be worth a look as an RB3/flex option against the Patriots if he's active and Mixon is not. With both Pierce and Mixon out since Week 2, Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale have been splitting backfield work the last three weeks.
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) is expected to return this weekend, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The 24-year-old has been sidelined since the opening week of the season with a hamstring injury. Cam Akers took over No.2 duties in his absence and eventually became the starter when Joe Mixon (ankle) suffered an injury following Week 2. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring Joe Mixon's status, as Pierce could be the top option out of the backfield if Mixon is kept out of action. Since breaking out in his rookie campaign with an impressive 939 yards, Pierce has been stuck in a reserve role. However, he is worth a speculative add this week as he could be a solid flex option if he gets the starting nod against the New England Patriots.
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) is officially inactive for Week 5 against the visiting Buffalo Bills on Sunday, while wide receiver Robert Woods (foot) is active. Pierce has been making progress with his hamstring injury in recent weeks, but he will now miss his fourth straight game after being injured in the Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts. With Joe Mixon (ankle) having already been ruled out, the Texans will once again roll with Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale in their backfield this weekend against a beat up Buffalo defense. Akers hasn't exactly impressed anyone the last two weeks with Mixon and Pierce out, but just from a volume standpoint alone, he's in play as an RB3/flex in Week 5. Woods shouldn't be on the radar for a starting fantasy spot on Sunday, especially with Tank Dell (chest) returning from a one-game absence. Woods has only three catches for 28 yards so far this year.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) isn't expected to suit up on Sunday versus the Bills. The 24-year-old is coming along, considering he practiced in a limited capacity on Friday. However, since he had only three carries for 16 yards in Week 1 versus the Colts, the last time he was on the field, there aren't many fantasy managers looking for an update, even with Joe Mixon (ankle) ruled out. In the meantime, the Texans will continue to roll with Cam Akers to handle the bulk of the work out of the backfield. While Akers hasn't done much with his enhanced role in Houston, he deserves some consideration for fantasy lineups due to the favorable matchup on the horizon versus a Bills defense that's struggled to stop the run this season.
Joe Mixon Ruled Out, Dameon Pierce Questionable To Play
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) missed practice all week and has been ruled out for Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. Meanwhile, Dameon Pierce (hamstring) returned to a limited practice on Friday and is questionable to play this Sunday. Mixon will miss his third straight game after suffering an ankle injury in the Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears. Pierce hasn't played since the season-opener against the Indianapolis Colts but has a shot to return this weekend. Even if Pierce suits up against Buffalo, it's looking like another week of Cam Akers in Houston's backfield. Akers is merely an RB3/flex, though, in deeper leagues in Week 5. In the two games he's started with both Mixon and Pierce out, the 25-year-old has had 22 carries for 74 yards while catching an eight-yard touchdown pass. The good news is that Mixon appears to be close to returning, perhaps for a Week 6 matchup against the New England Patriots.
Dameon Pierce Missing Another Practice On Thursday
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) is still not practicing just three days away from the Week 5 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The third-year man out of Florida is dealing with a strained hamstring and has not played since Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts. Starter Joe Mixon (ankle) has missed each of the last two games and has not practiced this week, so Pierce is missing a chance to see extra touches. If both backs are out again in Week 5, Cam Akers would be in line to earn another start, but he will likely share touches with Dare Ogunbowale and J.J. Taylor. The Bills have surrendered the most fantasy points per game to running backs this season, so although Akers has struggled, he is in consideration for a flex spot if he's again the RB1 for Houston.
Joe Mixon, Dameon Pierce Do Not Practice On Wednesday
Houston Texans running backs Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Mixon suffered an ankle injury during Week 2 and has not returned to the field since. Pierce suffered a hamstring injury following Week 1 and has also remained sidelined. As a result, Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale have served as the top backs over the past two weeks. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Mixon's and Pierce's status before their Week 5 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Even though Akers has averaged just 37 yards on the ground while serving as the starter, he could be a solid flex option if Mixon and Pierce remain out this weekend.
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) missed practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 4 contest on Sunday against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. The Texans were saying earlier this week that Pierce was making progress from his hamstring injury and was close to returning, but that won't happen this week. The 24-year-old will miss his third straight game after being injured in the Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Joe Mixon (ankle) is questionable and is danger of missing a second straight game as well, so Houston could be forced to use Cam Akers as their lead back once again. If Mixon is inactive on Sunday, Akers can be plugged in as an RB3/flex for fantasy managers looking for help at the position. Pierce's next chance to return will be in a Week 5 meeting against the Buffalo Bills.
