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.

• Hunter Luepke
  RB
• Kyler Gordon
  DB
• Deebo Samuel
  WR
• Jonathon Brooks
  RB
• Jonathan Taylor
  RB
• Jason Ivey
  OL
• Kene Nwangwu
  RB
• Tony Adams
  DB