Houston Texans Running Back Dameon Pierce Out with Ankle Injury
The Houston Texans will be without their leading rusher, Dameon Pierce, for their upcoming Week 9 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Pierce has been ruled out due to an ankle injury, leaving the Texans with a void in their ground attack.
Pierce has been the Texans’ most productive running back this season, accumulating 327 rushing yards. However, his average of only 3.0 yards per carry has been a cause for concern. The Texans’ rushing offense currently ranks 23rd in the NFL, averaging just 91.9 yards per game.
This setback is a blow to Pierce, who was looking to build off his promising rookie season. In his first year, he averaged 72 yards per game, 4.3 yards per carry, and finished with an impressive 939 yards in just 13 games. Unfortunately, injuries have hindered his progress this season.
In Pierce’s absence, the Texans will turn to a running-back-by-committee approach. Devin Singletary, who was signed by the team in the offseason, is expected to shoulder the majority of the workload. Singletary has been the team’s second-leading rusher, with 49 carries on the season and an average of 3.7 yards per carry.
The Texans will also look to Mike Boone and Dare Ogunbowale to contribute in Pierce’s absence. Although they have seen limited action this season, combining for just five carries, they are likely to see an increased workload against the Buccaneers.
Losing Pierce is undoubtedly a setback for the Texans’ offense. His absence will put more pressure on quarterback Davis Mills and the passing game to carry the load. The Buccaneers have a formidable defense, so it will be crucial for the Texans’ running backs to step up and provide some balance on offense.
The Texans’ coaching staff will need to adjust their game plan to compensate for Pierce’s absence. They may rely more heavily on short passing plays and screen passes to get the running backs involved in the offense. This could also help alleviate some of the pressure on Mills and keep the Buccaneers’ defense guessing.
In addition to the running backs, the offensive line will play a crucial role in filling the void left by Pierce. They will need to open up running lanes and provide adequate protection for Mills. The success of the running game will heavily depend on their ability to create opportunities for Singletary, Boone, and Ogunbowale.
Defensively, the Texans will need to step up their game to compensate for the loss of Pierce. The Buccaneers have a potent offense led by quarterback Tom Brady, and the Texans’ defense will need to find ways to slow them down. Generating turnovers and getting off the field on third downs will be key for the Texans’ defense.
Overall, losing Dameon Pierce is a significant setback for the Houston Texans. However, they have capable running backs in Devin Singletary, Mike Boone, and Dare Ogunbowale who can step up in his absence. The Texans’ coaching staff will need to make adjustments to their game plan, and the offensive line will play a crucial role in supporting the running game. Defensively, the Texans will need to elevate their performance to contain the high-powered Buccaneers’ offense. It will be an uphill battle for the Texans, but they have the talent and determination to overcome this setback and compete against one of the league’s top teams.
