Week 14 nearly saw the Texans pull off a major upset of the Cowboys, but the more prominent storyline from the game was the exit of running back Dameon Pierce. The standout rookie is likely to miss time as a result of the ankle injury he suffered during the contest.

Pierce went down with a high ankle sprain, as detailed by Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The injury is believed to be relatively mild, which could shorten his recovery time. Wilson reports that Pierce could miss one or two games, which would of course constitute a significant portion of the remaining schedule, but still less than the usual timeframe for high ankle sprains. A three-game absence should not be ruled out, per Fox 26’s Mark Berman (on Twitter). That would introduce a shutdown into the equation, given that four games remain.

Any missed time from the Florida product would be acutely felt by the Texans. Pierce leads all rookies with 939 rushing yards, having started each contest this season and quickly establishing himself as Houston’s most consistent offensive contributor. Despite missing some of the game against the Cowboys, the fourth-rounder still managed to record 78 yards on the ground and score his fourth touchdown of the campaign.

Head coach Lovie Smith declined to provide specifics on the extent of Pierce’s injury when speaking to the media. “It will take an awful lot for him not to play, but, if it’s an injury, of course it can,” he said. “Hopefully, it’s short-term. We’ll see.”

Sitting at 1-11-1 on the year, the Texans have no reason to rush their top producer back in the waning stages of the season. They also made a pair of moves relating to the tailbacks which will fill in for him should he miss time. One is the decision to waive Eno Benjamin, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). That comes as somewhat of a surprise, given the fact that Houston claimed the former Cardinal less than one month ago, seemingly giving him a chance at increased playing time. Instead, Benjamin saw the field for just 12 snaps in his two games as a Texan.

Meanwhile, Houston is adding another back in Gerrid Doaks (Twitter link via Wilson). A seventh-round pick of the Dolphins in 2021, the Cincinnati alum has yet to appear in a regular season game. He will join veteran Rex Burkhead and journeyman Dare Ogunbowale in the backfield until Pierce is able to return.