Texans' Dameon Pierce: Scores on special teams

Pierce returned five kickoffs for 174 yards, including a 98-yard touchdown, in Sunday's 36-22 loss to the Browns in Week 16. He added three carries for six yards and caught one of two targets for 10 yards.

Pierce provided an early lift by taking a kickoff to the house after Cleveland had jumped out to a 14-0 lead, but Houston's offense was unable to take advantage of the momentum swing. He had just 15 snaps on offense, continuing a downward trend after getting just four in Week 15. Since returning from an ankle injury five weeks ago, Pierce has a combined 85 yards on offense and slipped behind Devin Singletary on the depth chart. While the ankle could have played a role in his diminished production, Sunday's TD return is a strong sign it's no longer a factor, if it ever was -- he hadn't been doing much as the team's lead back prior to the injury.