Will Dameon Pierce play for the Texans against the Jets on Thursday Night Football?

The Jets are preparing to host the Texans for a Halloween Thursday Night Football clash in Week 9, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams.

The Jets, mired in a five-Game losing streak, are 2-6 and hoping to salvage their season, while the Texans, surging to the top of the AFC South with a 6-2 record, aim to continue their strong form.

Texans’ Secret to Success

The Texans' strong start to the season can be largely attributed to an effective running Game led by Joe Mixon, who was acquired from the Bengals.

Despite playing in only five Games this season, Mixon has rushed for over 100 yards in four of them, adding an important component to Houston’s offense under second-year quarterback CJ Stroud.

According to Patton, Mixon’s consistency provides a balance that the Texans previously lacked, positioning them for continued success as the season unfolds.

Who’s going to be missed on the roster?

The Houston Texans' running back, Dameon Pierce, did not practice on Tuesday due to a groin injury. His absence comes at a critical time for the Texans, who need all their players available. Unfortunately, this injury follows Pierce’s recent recovery from a hamstring injury that had sidelined him for four games.

Pierce serves as the Texans’ backup running back and kick returner. In his kick return role, he is far more valuable to the team because starting running back Joe Mixon is receiving the vast majority of the running back touches in this offense. Pierce’s lack of practice is relatively inconsequential for fantasy.

When Pierce and Mixon both were Healthy in 2024, Pierce has yet to clear 1.96 fantasy points. With two DNPs under his belt at this point in the week, Pierce is trending in the wrong direction.

If Pierce were to miss the game, Dare Ogunbowale would step up behind him. Wide receiver Robert Woods would likely be in line to take over some of Pierce’s return duties.