In games where Joe Mixon was active in 2024, the Texans rarely gave snaps or touches to Pierce. And when Mixon was out with an ankle injury, Pierce was out with his own hamstring injury. Pierce thrived with his one extensive opportunity, however, taking 19 carries for 176 yards and one touchdown against the Titans in Week 18 when the Texans were resting some of their starters. He nonetheless finds himself in a precarious situation for 2025, heading into the final year of his rookie contract with tough competition for backup roles behind Mixon. The Texans drafted Woody Marks in the fourth round -- a potential challenger for passing-down work -- and then signed 29-year-old Nick Chubb in early June. Mixon's offseason foot injury might seem to open up an opportunity, but Pierce was also absent at the start of training camp -- in his case due to an undisclosed injury.

• Dayton Wade
  WR
• Tyrone Broden
  WR
• Rachaad White
  RB
• Mason Rudolph
  QB
• Kylan Guidry
  LB
• Kyle Allen
  QB
• Will Mallory
  TE
• Adetomiwa Adebawore
  DL