Houston Texans Expect to Play WITHOUT Starting Running Back Dameon Pierce; Second-Year Vet to Sit with Ankles Injury in Sunday’s Tilt Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – REPORT – Week 9

The Houston Texans plan to play without starting running back Dameon Pierce on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccanneers. Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports that Pierce expects to miss Sunday with an ankle injury.

Pierce missed this week’s practices and appears to be trending in the wrong direction ahead of this weekend’s clash. Houston will turn to a trio of running backs to fill the void on Sunday.

Houston Texans RB Damien Pierce: Struggling in 2023

Damien Pierce, a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, has struggled with efficiency this season. The Florida product has averaged just 3.0 yards per rush attempt this season, a far cry from the 4.3 he averaged as a rookie last year. Pierce also has one touchdown this season despite the Texans playing decent on offense (21.1 points per game).

Pierce had 12 carries for 46 yards in his team’s 15-13 loss against the Carolina Panthers last Sunday. He has just one game over 70 rushing yards this season and has yet to finish a game averaging at least 4.0 yards per rush attempt. 

Texans to Turn to Devin Singletary, Mike Boone

Offseason signee Devin Singletary looks to take over for Dameon Pierce on Sunday. Singletary had already been cutting into Pierce’s workload since Week 6, with the Texans opting to split the backfield between the two runners. Singletary, like Pierce, has struggled with efficiency this season. He averages just 3.7 yards per rush attempt and has failed to score this season. However, he posted a career-high 1,099 scrimmage yards and six scores with the Buffalo Bills in 2022.

Mike Boone could also see a handful of snaps on Sunday. Boone signed with the Texans this offseason but has just three carries for 20 yards. He has caught four passes for 29 yards. Boone spent last season with the Denver Broncos, rushing 24 times for 102 yards. His best NFL season came in 2019 with the Minnesota Vikings, rushing 49 times for 273 yards and three touchdowns. 

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