DameonPierce

News: 6 days agoPierce rushed 10 times for eight yards and secured two of three targets for nine yards in the Texans' 23-10 loss to the Commanders on Sunday.

Spin: Pierce was the latest back to fall victim to a stalwart Commanders run defense, leading to his lowest single-game rushing total as a pro. The star rookie's previous low-water mark came in Week 1 against the Colts, but he encouragingly remained involved in the passing game with his fourth game in the last five with multiple receptions. Pierce will have another tough assignment on his plate when the Texans travel to South Florida to face the Dolphins in a Week 12 matchup.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Pierce was selected by Houston in the fourth round of April's draft. He is a strong, explosive back capable of producing as a rusher and receiver. He showed well in terms of forcing missed tackles and after contact (3.6), picked up 10-plus yards on a class-best 20% of his carries and showed pass-catching prowess by hauling in all 19 catchable targets and averaging 10.8 yards per target. Pierce seems to have major upside, but lacks top-end speed (4.59 40-yard dash) and it's fair to wonder if he'll be viewed as a three-down back after never clearing 106 carries or 23 targets during four seasons at Florida. Still, he has a shot at a major role with 32-year-old Rex Burkhead his primary competition for touches. Pierce is on the flex radar who could flirt with RB2 numbers.