Texans GM says former fourth-round RB will play 'big role' in offense

The Texans have added some big-time playmakers around second-year QB C.J. Stroud this offseason, trading for former Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon and Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

The two veterans are joining an already talented offense, highlighted by wide receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell and tight end Dalton Schultz.

However, general manager Nick Caserio brought up a surprising name he expects to play a big role in the offense this season.

"Watching [Dameon Pierce] move on the field, he looks pretty good," Caserio said during an interview with Sports Radio 610's Payne and Pendergast. "He's got as good an attitude as anyone on the team. We're glad DP is here. He's going to be a big part of what we're doing. He's working his ass off so far, which is great to see."

That may come as a bit of a surprise since Pierce finished last season with just 416 rushing yards (2.9 yards per carry) and two touchdowns after losing the starting job to veteran Devin Singletary.

Singletary has since joined the New York Giants in free agency, but Houston's trade and contract extension for Mixon prove it wasn't content with going back to Pierce as its lead back.

Still, the Texans may be hoping his 2023 season was an outlier. Pierce had a strong rookie year, averaging 4.3 yards per carry and falling just short of 1,000 rushing yards (939). His rookie season was cut short after an ankle injury in Week 13. 

If the 24-year-old can return to that level of play, he'll create quite the running back duo with Mixon and make Houston's offense even more formidable in 2024.

Caserio is clearly hopeful that happens as the Texans have aspirations of raising the franchise's first Vince Lombardi Trophy by season's end.