Texans Release Veteran Running Back After Dameon Pierce's Impressive Preseason

The Houston Texans' backfield by committee approach may be out the window for the 2022 NFL season. Veteran running back Marlon Mack is among the team's roster cuts prior to the 53-man deadline, which opens the door for preseason standout Dameon Pierce to take over as the No. 1 RB.

Another surprise: Texans are releasing veteran running back Marlon Mack, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2022

Houston Texans Roster Cuts

Mack was signed to a one-year deal worth $2 million back in April, but only $250,00 of that salary was guaranteed. He simply wanted an opportunity to bounce back after tearing his Achilles in August of 2021 and missing the entire season. The 26-year-old showed some pop in the preseason, too.

Over the course of three preseason contests, Mack carried the ball 21 times for 90 yards. His efforts were highlighted by a 25-yard dash against the San Francisco 49ers last weekend. It was likely a lack of receiving ability that sealed Mack's fate when compared to Pierce and Rex Burkhead, though.

Pierce has been gaining traction in the NFL landscape for his bruising style of running the football. The 2022 fourth-round pick posted 86 rushing yards on 11 carries and scored one touchdown in the preseason. He also logged 2,228 yards from scrimmage and 28 touchdowns in college (48 games).

Mack's release gives Dare Ogunbaowale and Royce Freeman a shot to make the roster after fighting for their jobs all summer. It may have been a few years since he ran for over 1,000 yards with the Indianapolis Colts, but don't be shocked is Mack lands with another NFL squad before Week 1 arrives.

The Texans have odds set at +1500 to make the NFL Playoffs, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

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Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.