Dameon Pierce

The Texans' backup running back should be active on Monday night. He makes for a worthwhile bench stash and could even return RB4/5 value against the Cowboys' struggling run defense.

Pierce has missed the last two games as a result of his injury. The third-year back has had a challenging season dealing with injuries and the fact Joe Mixon is handling the majority of backfield touches. To date, Pierce has 14 carries for 98 yards and one touchdown, with most of his production coming on a 54-yard run in Week 6 against the Patriots. If he is active for Week 11 against the Cowboys, Pierce won't have any fantasy upside, given the current state of Houston's backfield. He could make for an interesting stash in deeper leagues, but that's where his ceiling tops out at this point in time.

Collins was activated from injured reserve Saturday, making his status for Sunday Night Football somewhat of a surprise. It is not yet known if he suffered some some sort of setback or if the team simply felt he wasn't ready for game repetitions just yet. Also inactive for the Texans are DE Will Anderson, CB Myles Bryant, LB Jamal Hill, RB Dameon Pierce, and OT Zachary Thomas.

The Texans will be without their primary backup running back, who remains sidelined by a nagging groin injury. Fantasy managers can drop Pierce at this point. He holds no standalone value.

Texans RB Dameon Pierce (groin) is out for Sunday night s game vs. the Lions. He ll be replaced again by RB J.J. Taylor, who is not a fantasy option. RB Joe Mixon should be in for another big workload.