The Houston Texans have placed running back Dameon Pierce on injured reserve, the team announced on Saturday. As the NFL requires any player on IR to miss at least four games, Pierce’s season has now come to an end.

Pierce suffered a notable ankle injury during the fourth quarter of the Texans’ Week 14 road loss to the Dallas Cowboys. While Pierce did limp off the field after sustaining the ailment, he taped up his ankle and later returned to the game. However, Texans head coach Lovie Smith later decided that it was best to rule out the rookie running back for the remainder of the contest.

Pierce finished with 78 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown against the Cowboys.

During a press conference on Monday, Smith touched on being hopeful that Pierce’s ankle ailment would end up being a “short-term” concern.

Pierce was sidelined from each of the Texans’ three practices ahead of their Week 15 home matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. He was later ruled out for the game, and in the big picture, his appearance against the Cowboys was the last of his rookie campaign.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Texans owner Cal McNair

Benjamin Adducchio ·

Pierce capped off his debut season in Houston after 13 games played, where he recorded 1,104 yards from scrimmage and five total touchdowns.

It will be noteworthy to see whether the former Florida Gators standout did enough to take home the 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.