The Kansas City Chiefs have wasted no time addressing their depth needs, signing former Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce to their practice squad. The move was confirmed shortly after the Chiefs’ Week 12 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

A Necessary Addition

The signing comes at a critical juncture for the Chiefs’ offense. With starter Isiah Pacheco still sidelined due to injury, the workload has fallen heavily on veteran Kareem Hunt, who recorded 30 carries in the win against Indianapolis. Head Coach Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach identified a clear need for fresh legs to preserve their backfield rotation for the upcoming playoff push.

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Pierce, who cleared waivers on Friday following his release from Houston, offers a low-risk, high-reward option. By starting on the practice squad, the Chiefs can evaluate his fitness and playbook knowledge without immediately using a 53-man roster spot.

Reclaiming Lost Potential

Pierce’s career has been a tale of two trajectories. As a rookie in 2022, he was a revelation, rushing for 939 yards and punishing defenders with a violent, contact-seeking style. However, a scheme shift in Houston under DeMeco Ryans and Bobby Slowik in 2023 created a barrier for his skill set. His production dipped, and he eventually fell behind Joe Mixon on the depth chart, leading to his release midway through the 2025 season.

The rebirth of potential comes for Pierce as the Texans compete against the Chiefs the following week after they take on the Colts. Expect a big possibility for Pierce to be on hand when Mahomes and Co. line up against the Texans defense.

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The Kansas City Fit

Kansas City does offer an ideal environment for a Pierce resurgence. The Chiefs have successfully utilized power backs in the past, and Pierce’s aggressive running style complements the team’s current physical identity. If he can recapture even a portion of his rookie form, he provides a perfect physical complement to Hunt for cold-weather games in December and January.

Pierce will join the practice squad immediately, where he will likely spend a week or two acclimating to the system. With the short turnaround before the Chiefs’ Thanksgiving week preparations, it is unlikely he will see action immediately. However, as the temperatures drop and the playoffs approach, having a back like Pierce in the stable could prove to be one of the savvier late-season moves of 2025.

For Pierce, the path is clear, impress to earn a call-up, and prove that Houston was wrong to let him go. For the Chiefs, it’s another calculated move to ensure their arsenal is fully stocked for another run at the Super Bowl.