Pierce was held without a catch on one target. An impressive 2022 rookie who badly regressed as a sophomore, Pierce never threatened trade acquisition Joe Mixon’s 2024 touch domination. He had an opportunity when Mixon missed Weeks 3-5 with an ankle injury, but Pierce was sidelined with a hamstring issue of his own. Pierce caught two balls all season, and failed to reach 10 touches in a contest until the resting Texans’ exhibition-style Week 18 win over the Titans. That’s where Pierce generated 60 percent of his 2024 rushing gains thanks to a 92-yard house call. Although Pierce is signed cheaply for 2025, we wouldn’t assume he merely finishes out his rookie deal as the unquestioned No. 2.

Pierce took a 92-yard touchdown on Houston’s first play from scrimmage on their third series by outrunning a single Titans deep safety to the edge. He did have a fumble in the game — one he recovered — but looked like the 2022 version of Pierce, bullying around a Titans front and getting extra yards after contact on most plays. It was a good showcase of his talents as he has mostly languished on the sideline this year while Joe Mixon became a true three-down back. Pierce finishes the regular season with a 40/293/2 rushing line and will go back to the sideline in the Wild Card round, though perhaps this performance will get him a few more snaps than he otherwise would have had.

The Texans’ backup running back should be active on Monday night. He makes for a worthwhile bench stash and could even return RB4/5 value against the Cowboys’ struggling run defense.

Pierce has missed the last two games as a result of his injury. The third-year back has had a challenging season dealing with injuries and the fact Joe Mixon is handling the majority of backfield touches. To date, Pierce has 14 carries for 98 yards and one touchdown, with most of his production coming on a 54-yard run in Week 6 against the Patriots. If he is active for Week 11 against the Cowboys, Pierce won’t have any fantasy upside, given the current state of Houston’s backfield. He could make for an interesting stash in deeper leagues, but that’s where his ceiling tops out at this point in time.