What It Means:

Pierce suffered an ankle injury in Sunday's close loss, and while he did initially try to play after suffering the injury, he was finally taken out of the game towards the end of the fourth quarter. Smith did not provide specifics as to the severity of Pierce's injury, but did say "It would take an awful lot for him not to play".

Pierce was the engine of the Texans' offense in Week 14, rushing 22 times for 78 yards and a touchdown in the near-upset of the Cowboys. If he does miss time, expect some combination Eno Benjamin, Rex Burkhead and Dare Ogunbowale to handle the bulk of the carries.