Dameon Pierce

It's the latest sign that Mixon, 27, who signed a three-year contract extension with Houston this offseason, will be the team's unquestioned primary back in 2024. Though Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans recently said Mixon and Dameon Pierce will be a "one-two punch," all indications point to Mixon as the lead back who will see high-leverage touches in the ascendant Houston offense. Mixon totaled more than 1,200 yards in each of his final three years with the Bengals. Pierce in 2023 was among the worst running backs in the NFL, averaging 2.8 yards per carry. He'll be a backfield insurance option in Mixon misses time this season. The team recently added journeyman Cam Akers to the backfield.

Returning from his second torn Achilles in three years, Akers will now look to make the Texans' 53-man roster this summer. The former second-round pick struggled last season while splitting time between the Rams and Vikings, running for 167 yards and two touchdowns on 60 carries (2.8 YPC) before seeing his season come to an end in Week 9 against the Falcons. Even if he makes the Texans' roster, Akers will presumably be buried behind Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce on the depth chart. As of now, this signing doesn't move the fantasy needle for any of the three backs.

Asked by a reporter if he is ready to contribute on special teams, Dell said, "Am I ready? I'm ready for everything, you know?" HC DeMeco Ryans furthered the point, adding "With the new kickoff rule, I think you'll see a lot of teams using many more skill players at the return position." His goal is to find out" who's best at really creating explosive plays" as a returner. The Texans passing offense generated explosive, 15-plus-yard plays at the league's third-highest rate (16.7 percent) last year so it comes as no surprise that Ryans' goal remains the same on special teams. Should Dell win the role, his return usage would provide a slight edge in leagues that award points for special teams production.