Good news: the Houston Texans had a first-and-goal from the Dallas Cowboys’ 4-yard line with 5:37 to go in the game leading 23-20.
Bad news: running back Dameon Pierce was injured and unavailable.
The rookie sustained an ankle injury early in the fourth quarter and was questionable to return. Although Pierce did return for a 2-yard carry up the middle on third-and-1 from the Houston 34-yard line with 10:50 to go, it was his last touch of the afternoon.
From the Dallas 4-yard line, the Texans weren’t able to punch in the insurance touchdown, and ultimately turned the ball over on downs after a run to Rex Burkhead, a run from Jeff Driskel, an incomplete pass, and another run from Driskel.
Coach Lovie Smith told reporters after the game the strategy was affected “quite a bit” on Houston’s penultimate drive by not having Pierce available.
“First-and-goal inside the five, the plan would’ve been a little bit different, but nobody wants to hear about injuries,” said Smith. “We’ve had quite a few. If Dameon would’ve been healthy and ready to go, of course he would’ve been in there.”
Pierce punched in a 1-yard touchdown earlier in the game to help Houston tie the game 7-7 with 5:36 to go in the first quarter.
The fourth-rounder from Florida finished with 22 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown.
