The Houston Texans are strategically reconfiguring the responsibilities of running back Woody Marks for the forthcoming season, a decision influenced by their recent acquisition of seasoned player David Montgomery. Marks, a significant contributor to the team's performance last year, is set to transition into a more supportive capacity. This adjustment reflects the organization's commitment to bolstering its offensive capabilities and ensuring a more balanced and potent running game.
During the previous season, Woody Marks was instrumental in the Texans' offensive scheme, shouldering a considerable workload. However, the team identified a necessity for increased depth and versatility in its backfield. Consequently, Houston completed a trade for David Montgomery, a veteran running back from the Detroit Lions, with the explicit goal of enhancing the overall talent and distribution of responsibilities within the running back unit. This strategic move paves the way for Marks to embrace a refined role, optimizing his unique skills and contributions to the team.
According to Aaron Wilson, a reporter for KPRC 2 Houston, Marks' projected role for the 2026 season can be succinctly characterized as 'complementary.' Texans running backs coach Danny Barrett elaborated on the expectations for Marks, highlighting a multifaceted contribution. Barrett emphasized Marks' understanding and acceptance of his evolving role, confirming that he will still receive ample opportunities. The coach noted that last year's gradual integration allowed Marks to adapt and accelerate his understanding of the game, a process that has significantly boosted his confidence.
Barrett further detailed Marks' specific contributions, indicating an increased focus on third-down plays, special teams participation, and his established role as a kickoff returner. Crucially, his involvement in the passing game is also expected to expand. The coach expressed high optimism regarding Marks' confidence levels heading into his second year, asserting the importance of maintaining this positive momentum. This strategic realignment is designed to leverage Marks' versatility and dynamism across various aspects of play, ensuring he remains a valuable asset to the team.
Although Marks' duties will undergo a transformation, their significance to the team's success remains undiminished. The Texans are determined to improve upon last year's struggles with running game consistency, making it imperative that both Marks and Montgomery deliver peak performance on every snap. Given Marks' recognized temperament and dedication, the Texans anticipate nothing short of his utmost effort and commitment throughout the season. This collective approach to the running game underscores the team's broader strategy for sustained success.
Acknowledging the inherently collaborative nature of football, Marks fully embraces this strategic shift, showing no signs of being deterred from delivering his top performance in the 2026 season. The Texans are adopting a comprehensive strategy to enhance their ground game this year, and while its ultimate efficacy is yet to be observed, the team undeniably possesses a more robust offensive arsenal compared to the previous season. This strengthened lineup is expected to yield substantial benefits as the Texans strive for continued achievements in the regular season and a deeper advancement into the NFL playoffs.
