What It Means:

After a 20 snap debut with 14 total touches, the Texans want to utilize their rookie running back despite Rex Burkhead seeing the most work. "Sometimes though when you look back, you can’t defend the amount of reps our starting tailback got in some of those situations," said Smith was asked if potential pass blocking or receiving limited his playing time. "I wish he had gotten more and we’re going to work to get him more of those opportunities but a young back it’s some of those things. I wouldn’t say that just being a primary ball carrier is holding him back. Those are some things that we’re going to work on to make sure that that situation doesn’t happen again.”

For now, expect Pierce to see RB3-like volume after Burkhead registered 19 touches including five receptions. Pierce's current projection for Week Two's matchup against a Denver Broncos' rush defense rated 17th per numberFire's models includes 12.2 rushing attempts for 51.7 yards and 1.0 reception for 8.1 yards.