In games where Joe Mixon was active in 2024 the Texans rarely gave snaps or touches to Pierce, and then in the games where Mixon was out with his early-season ankle injury Pierce was out with his own hamstring injury. A groin injury cost him Weeks 9 and 10, too, so 2024 was largely a lost season for Pierce. Pierce thrived with his one extensive opportunity, however, taking 19 carries for 176 yards and one touchdown in a Week 18 backup game against the Titans. It's possible that Pierce's injuries had something to do with it, but as the year progressed he seemed to lose snaps to Dare Ogunbowale, who was the team's preferred passing-down back after Mixon. If Pierce is not eligible for passing-down snaps then he'll generally be the third running back in the game plan, because there will be more passing-down snaps up for grabs than base formation carries. Rookie fourth-round pick Woody Marks is extensively tested in passing-down situations, so in games where Mixon is healthy you might see Pierce play fewer snaps than both Mixon and Marks. If Mixon were to miss time, though, then Pierce would be a good bet to assume the role of lead ballcarrier, much like he did in the Week 18 game.
