Texans see potential in rookie rusher Pierce: 'He had some big time runs and he was making it happen'

Drafted out of Florida in the fourth round of the 2022 National Football League (NFL) Draft, running back Dameon Pierce was touted as a much-needed cog in the Houston Texans’ maligned rushing attack.

Flashes of brilliance in training camp and the preseason had fans and some pundits believing that the 5-foot-10, 212-pound Pierce would see more carries in his first year as a pro.

With two games under his belt, Pierce appears likely to figure plenty on the field with every ounce of improvement, a report on the Texans’ website said.

Pierce’s NFL debut in the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts – a 20-20 draw – was quiet at best as veteran rusher Rex Burkhead toted the ball more.

The rookie generated a paltry 33 yards on 11 carries compared to the 32-year-old Burkhead’s 40 yards on 14 rushes during the contest, which earned notoriety for being the Texans’ first-ever tie.

But Houston’s 16-9 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday was a coming-out party of sorts for Pierce, who scampered 15 times for 69 yards.

"I thought Dameon did some good things when he had an opportunity to carry the ball,” first-year Texans head coach Lovie Smith said in the report.

Starting quarterback Davis Mills liked what he saw in the 22-year-old against the Broncos.

"I thought he put together a really good day," the second-year field general said, per the Texans. "It's exciting when the run game gets going. He had some big time runs and he was making it happen. It's something to build on."

According to the website Football Reference, Pierce also dabbled a little in the passing game, hauling two receptions for 14 yards.

Pierce didn’t envision taking a tie and a loss to begin his NFL career, which is why he believes he could stand to do better.

"Finishing those drives,” the rookie, who has crossed the century mark in rushing yards heading into the Texans’ Week 3 matchup against the Chicago Bears on the road, said in the report. “Starting fast. Finishing harder, and just overall, making plays when we need them.”