The Houston Texans' running back room was originally thought to be a point of strength heading into training camp. Even with concerns about Joe Mixon's ankle, the Texans drafted Woody Marks out of USC in the fourth round of the draft and then signed Nick Chubb and were still carrying Dare Ogunbowale, Jahwar Jordan, and Dameon Pierce, who was on the PUP list.
Chubb, despite coming off an injury, was expected to take on a short-term lead back role or fit in as a second option out of the backfield, depending on Mixon's health.
Two weeks into training camp, and Nick Chubb doesn't look the part of a lead back. One of the reasons the Texans have a plethora of running backs in camp is that Mixon may not have been ready by the time week one rolled around, and Chubb was a big-name signing but not guaranteed to be back to his old form. Still, head coach DeMeco Ryans was overall pleased with what he saw with the group.
Even with the praise of the running back unit, the Texans received a boost when Dameon Pierce was taken off the PUP list today. Pierce was someone who may have been on the chopping block entering training camp, especially considering the investments at running back the past few year.
Pierce was welcomed with open arms, and HC DeMeco Ryans made a startling move right after Pierce was cleared to practice.
Dameon Pierce is going through walk thru with 1st team.
— Landry Locker (@LandryLocker) August 6, 2025
RB Dameon Pierce Works with the 1st Team in Walkthroughs
Walking right out of a physical and into first team reps is likely not the situation that Ryans or Pierce expected today. Pierce was spotted with the first team early in practice today, per Texans insider Landry Locker. While it should be noted that this is walkthroughs, not full speed reps, that should be concerning for the rest of the running back room.
Notably, Nick Chubb was not seen at the walk through at all, per Cody Stoots, which may explain the elevation for Pierce, since Pierce is a known commodity. Walkthroughs are typically not days where players skip, except for injury treatments or true personal needs. If Chubb ends up with some type of lingering injury or soreness, the Texans' offseason plans may need to shift to Plan C, if there is one.
While this is good news for Pierce, this must be concerning for youngsters Jordan and Marks, considering the praise coming from their head coach.
Ryans may be grasping at straws considering the injury situation of his top two backs. It's an interesting development that Pierce came off the street and into the first team walkthrough. The Texans may be facing a true committee approach this preseason if the note about Chubb not being at practice turns into something of significance. This may require Jordan, Marks, Pierce, and even Ogunbowale all getting first-team reps. It's definitely something to keep an eye on in the next few days.