Dameon Pierce Added to Practice Squad by the Kansas City Chiefs

In a strategic move to bolster running back depth ahead of the playoffs, the Kansas City Chiefs announced on Wednesday that they have signed veteran running back Dameon Pierce to their practice squad. The addition comes as the Chiefs look to insulate their rushing attack—led by starter Isiah Pacheco—from late-season injuries, a concern amplified by recent minor tweaks to Pacheco’s ankle and backup Jerick McKinnon’s knee. Pierce, a former fourth-round pick with a track record of physical, downhill running, brings a different skill set to Kansas City’s backfield, offering a complementary option to Pacheco’s speed and McKinnon’s pass-catching ability. While practice squad roles are often viewed as developmental, Pierce’s experience and proven production make him a potential game-day elevation if the Chiefs need additional depth in critical matchups. Dameon Pierce Added to Practice Squad by the Kansas City Chiefs is a story of proactive roster management, as a Super Bowl contender strengthens a key position group before the postseason.

Pierce’s NFL journey has been one of promise and adaptation, starting with a breakout rookie season with the Houston Texans in 2022. That year, he rushed for 939 yards and 4 touchdowns on 220 carries, averaging 4.3 yards per attempt, and quickly established himself as a fan favorite for his physical running style—often breaking tackles and gaining yards after contact. However, his production dipped in 2023 amid the Texans’ offensive struggles, and he was waived by Houston in late August 2025 after the team opted to prioritize younger running backs. Pierce spent a short stint on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad earlier this season but was released last month, leaving him a free agent until the Chiefs’ offer. For Pierce, the Chiefs’ practice squad represents a chance to revive his career with a championship-caliber team, while for Kansas City, it’s an opportunity to add a low-risk, high-reward player who can contribute immediately if needed. His ability to handle short-yardage situations and relieve Pacheco of heavy carries aligns with the Chiefs’ need to keep their starter fresh for the playoffs. Dameon Pierce Added to Practice Squad by the Kansas City Chiefs reflects the mutual benefit of the move, as both parties gain value from the partnership.

The primary driver behind the Chiefs’ decision to sign Pierce is their desire to strengthen running back depth—a position that becomes increasingly critical in the playoffs, where physical, consistent rushing can control the clock and keep opposing pass rushes off balance. Pacheco has had a strong season, rushing for 892 yards and 7 touchdowns, but he’s also logged 198 carries—his highest total since joining the Chiefs in 2022. The risk of overworking Pacheco is real: in 2023, he missed two playoff games with a shoulder injury, forcing the Chiefs to rely on McKinnon and undrafted rookie Deneric Prince, who struggled to replicate Pacheco’s production. McKinnon, while a valuable pass-catcher (32 receptions for 248 yards), has never been a featured downhill runner, and backup Clyde Edwards-Helaire has seen his role shrink this season, recording just 38 carries. Pierce fills this gap: his 3.8 yards per carry after contact in 2022 ranks among the top 15 running backs that season, making him ideal for short-yardage situations and goal-line stands—areas where the Chiefs have occasionally struggled this year. By adding Pierce to the practice squad, the Chiefs ensure they have a ready-made replacement if Pacheco or McKinnon suffers an injury, without using a precious active roster spot. Dameon Pierce Added to Practice Squad by the Kansas City Chiefs is a proactive move to mitigate playoff risk, as the Chiefs prepare for every possible scenario.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive scheme also makes Pierce a natural fit, as his physical running style complements the team’s existing weapons. Head coach Andy Reid’s offense relies on a balanced attack, using the run to set up play-action passes and keep defenses guessing. Pacheco’s speed and agility allow him to hit the edge and exploit gaps in the secondary, while Pierce’s ability to run between the tackles and break tackles can wear down defenses over the course of a game. This versatility could prove valuable in playoff matchups against teams with strong run defenses, like the Baltimore Ravens (who rank 4th in rushing yards allowed) or the San Francisco 49ers (ranked 6th). Additionally, Pierce’s experience as a pass protector—he allowed just 1 sack in 2022—makes him a viable option to stay on the field in third-down situations, something the Chiefs have lacked behind McKinnon. The Kansas City Chiefs have a history of getting the most out of practice squad players: last season, wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster and went on to catch a critical touchdown in the AFC Championship Game. Pierce could follow a similar path, using the practice squad as a stepping stone to meaningful playoff snaps. Dameon Pierce Added to Practice Squad by the Kansas City Chiefs is a fit of skill and scheme, as the team adds a player who can contribute to their offensive identity.

Beyond immediate depth, the Kansas City Chiefs’ addition of Pierce also signals their long-term thinking about the running back position. Pacheco is set to become a restricted free agent after the season, and McKinnon will be an unrestricted free agent—creating uncertainty about the 2026 backfield. By signing Pierce to the practice squad, the Chiefs get a chance to evaluate him closely, potentially signing him to a longer deal if he performs well. Pierce, still just 25 years old, has plenty of career left and could develop into a key part of the Chiefs’ future if given the opportunity. For the Chiefs, this is a low-cost way to scout talent: practice squad contracts are far less expensive than active roster deals, and they can release Pierce without significant cap consequences if he doesn’t fit. The Kansas City Chiefs’ front office has built a reputation for this kind of forward-thinking roster management, often adding players with upside to the practice squad before promoting them to key roles. This approach has helped the team maintain competitiveness year after year, even as key players depart in free agency. Dameon Pierce Added to Practice Squad by the Kansas City Chiefs is a blend of short-term need and long-term planning, as the team secures depth for the playoffs while evaluating a potential future contributor.

Looking ahead, the Kansas City Chiefs will likely use the next few weeks to integrate Pierce into their offense, having him practice with the second and third units to learn Reid’s playbook and build chemistry with the offensive line. If Pacheco or McKinnon misses any practice time, Pierce could see increased reps, giving coaches a chance to assess his readiness for game action. For the playoffs, the Chiefs can elevate Pierce from the practice squad to the active roster up to three times, allowing him to contribute without burning a roster spot permanently. For Pierce, this is an opportunity to prove he still belongs in the NFL, playing for a team that knows how to win. His physical style and playoff-ready mindset could make him a surprise contributor, especially if the Chiefs face a physical defense that requires a bruising running back to control the game. The Kansas City Chiefs’ addition of Pierce is a reminder that playoff rosters are built not just on star power, but on depth and versatility—and that practice squad signings can sometimes be the missing piece in a championship run. Dameon Pierce Added to Practice Squad by the Kansas City Chiefs is a small move with big potential, as the Chiefs continue to refine their roster for another Super Bowl push.