Texans place rookies RB Dameon Pierce and CB Derek Stingley on injured reserve

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans season has not had many bright spots, and with four remaining games, it has gotten dimmer.

The Texans placed rookies RB Dameon Pierce (ankle) and CB Derek Stingley on injured reserve, effectively ending their seasons.

Houston selected Stingley with the third overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft. The former All-American out of LSU has been sidelined since Week 10 after suffering a hamstring injury. He recorded 43 tackles and one interception in nine games.

The Texans found a gem in the fourth round when they used the 107th pick to select Pierce from Florida. He led all rookies in rushing this season with 939 yards rushing and four touchdowns. He went down with an ankle injury against the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday.

The Texans signed running back Royce Freeman and cornerback Cobi Francis from the practice squad to take the places of Pierce and Stingley on the active roster.

Houston needs offensive production from running backs Rex Burkhead and Dare Ogunbowale if they want to stay competitive against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Texans will also be without the services of wide receivers Brandin Cooks (calf) and Nico Collins (foot).