Texans waive RB Dameon Pierce

In a surprising roster move ahead of their Week 12 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, the Houston Texans have waived running back Dameon Pierce. The decision, announced on November 20, 2025, marks the end of a tumultuous four-year tenure for the former fourth-round pick with the team he entered the NFL with.

A Star-Studded Start and a Rapid Decline

Pierce entered the league with significant fanfare and made an immediate impact. As a rookie in the 2022 season, he burst onto the scene, leading the Texans in rushing with an impressive 939 yards. His powerful running style and ability to contribute in the passing game made him a focal point of Houston's offense and generated considerable excitement about the future of the team's backfield.

However, Pierce's trajectory took a sharp turn in his second season. He found himself relegated to a backup role behind veteran running back Devin Singletary. This demotion became a permanent fixture of his Houston career. Despite flashes of his rookie potential, Pierce never regained the starting job or the same level of production.

Diminishing Role in 2025

This season, Pierce's role shrank even further. He entered the Texans' Week 11 matchup as the third-string running back behind established starter Nick Chubb and fellow back Woody Marks. Pierce's contributions were minimal, carrying the ball just 10 times for 26 yards and a touchdown through the first 11 games. His playing time and overall impact on the offense dwindled significantly.

Roster Move Opens Opportunity

The waiver of Pierce clears space on the Texans' 53-man roster, a move coinciding with the promotion of cornerback Ajani Carter to the active roster. The team also elevated safety Jalen Mills and linebacker Jackson Woodard from the practice squad to provide depth for the upcoming game against the Bills.

For Pierce, this move likely signals the end of his chapter in Houston. After being a cornerstone of the offense as a rookie, his role steadily diminished. The Texans' acquisition of Nick Chubb prior to the 2025 season further cemented Pierce's place behind established veterans on the depth chart. The waiver essentially formalizes a reality that has been developing over the past couple of seasons.

What's Next for Dameon Pierce?

While the immediate future is uncertain for Pierce, his talent remains undeniable. A powerful back known for his vision and short-area explosiveness, he could draw interest from other teams seeking depth at the running back position. A claim waiver period will follow, and if unclaimed, Pierce becomes an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with any team. It remains to be seen if another organization will offer him a chance to reclaim a more significant role in their backfield.

For the Texans, moving on from Pierce is a pragmatic decision based on his current production and the team's existing depth at the position. The focus now shifts entirely to maximizing the contributions of Nick Chubb and Woody Marks as they push towards the latter stages of the season.

Pierce was waived as part of a series of roster moves that the Texans announced ahead of their matchup with the Bills. The 2022 fourth-round pick was in his fourth season with the team.