The Houston Texans traded for David Montgomery to take over the lead in the backfield, but the club still envisions a significant role for second-year RB Woody Marks.
The quarterback took over the starting role midway through his rookie season when it became clear that Joe Mixon would not be returning and veteran Nick Chubb was unable to improve on the field. Marks flashed for a spell, leading the club with 703 rushing yards, but the ground game was completely ineffective — hence the Montgomery trade. Marks’ season high was 23 yards rushing and he had 39 first downs in 16 games.
Marks profiles as a change-of-speed back and third-down pass catcher, as well as some improved kick return duties this season. He had 208 receiving yards on 24 catches with three touchdowns last season, including a 50-yard catch and run.
“I think the key with Woody is understanding his role, which he does,” quarterbacks and assistant head coach Danny Barrett told KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson. “He’s going to get a lot of opportunities. Last year, we brought him in slower, which was good to help him learn the game. And when he learned the game, he played a lot faster. And you can see him go on third down, and you see him catch third down, so you see that he reach the third point.
The Texans view Montgomery as a three-down back, but Marks can earn a shot as a weapon out of the backfield, where he thrived at USC before the Texans drafted him in the fourth round.
“Nick Caley is doing a great job right now,” Marks told Wilson. “Made me do all kinds of routes, learn the route tree. Just go out there and just use me the way he can so I can be productive.”
Marks said he was excited to pair with Montgomery after seeing what the veteran did with Detroit speedster Jahmyr Gibbs.
“Love him as a quarterback, watched him a few times, him and Jahmyr Gibbs, see how they complement each other,” Marks said. “Having another quarterback in the backfield is always good. It’s less that I can take off my body and it’s less that he can take off my body and we’re just ready to go to work.”
More was put on Mark’s table last year than should have been given his skills and experience. But being thrust into a starting role gave the 25-year-old confidence that he could play any role he is asked to in 2026.
“I think I’ve done pretty well,” Marks said of his 2025 campaign. “Just next year, just try to get better, better my craft. There’s always room to improve and just be the best version of me and be the best version of my last name. I just want to get better at everything. Just get better at the game. I don’t really have any goals. I just want to win. I want to get to the Super Bowl and win the Super Bowl, so the goals mine bring the team’s success.”