Houston Texans' Mike Boone 'Prepared' for Opportunity vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Devin Singletary will start in place of Pierce. But due to Houston's inefficient rushing attack, the Texans will continue to use a running back group by committee, leading to an opportunity for Mike Boone.

HOUSTON — Dameon Pierce will be one of several non-active players for the Houston Texans contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium. Pierce missed an entire week of practice due to an ankle injury.

Devin Singletary will start in place of Pierce. But due to Houston's inefficient rushing attack, the Texans will continue to use a running back group by committee, leading to an opportunity for Mike Boone.

"Every week, I come in with the mindset that you never know when your number is going to be called to do more," Boone told Texans Daily. "We work to have an opportunity like this. It's here. And now, it's all about being prepared."

Boone gave the Texans a small sample size of his talents during their 15-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers. He recorded an 11-yard reception on 3rd-and-seven midway through the first quarter. His production helped the Texans sustain an offensive drive that led to a 7-0 lead at the 13:13 mark of the second quarter. 

Texans running back Mike Boone runs with the ball with defensive end Will Anderson Jr. behind during the warm-ups against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium / Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports

The Texans are a better team with Pierce in the lineup. But Boone is one of the reasons why coach DeMeco Ryans is still confident in Houston's backfield against the Buccaneers. 

"Our run game has just been a complement of different guys getting opportunities," Ryans said. "Boone had a couple of runs in there. He had a really big third down conversion for us on the check-down, converting that to a first down, so he’s done some nice things. All three guys have done nice things when it comes to the running back position."

Boone is thrilled about his upcoming opportunity but is hoping for the best when it comes to Pierce.

An ankle injury is the latest misfortune that has hampered Pierce's sophomore season. He has looked far from the player who nearly rushed for 1,000 yards as a rookie. Seven games into the season, Pierce has rushed for 327 yards on 109 carries with one touchdown.

"Whatever my boy Pierce is going through, I am praying for him," Boone said. "I am praying for a speedy recovery. He is a dawg."