What's Happening?
The Houston Texans are re-evaluating their running back strategy following the acquisition of veteran David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions. Woody Marks, who emerged as the Texans' starting running back during his rookie season, is adapting to a complementary
role. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, Marks will continue to have a significant workload, including third-down pass-catching duties and kickoff returns. Marks, a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, led the Texans with 703 rushing yards and two touchdowns last season. The Texans' running backs coach, Danny Barrett, emphasized Marks' understanding of his role and his increased confidence in the offense.
Why It's Important?
This strategic shift is significant for the Texans as they aim to balance their offensive capabilities. The addition of Montgomery, who rushed for 716 yards and eight touchdowns last season, provides the Texans with a seasoned player to share the workload with Marks. This could enhance the team's overall performance by leveraging Montgomery's experience and Marks' developing skills. For fantasy football enthusiasts, Marks' evolving role could impact his fantasy value, particularly in leagues that reward pass-catching running backs. The Texans' approach reflects a broader trend in the NFL of utilizing multiple running backs to maintain player health and optimize offensive strategies.
What's Next?
As the Texans prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on integrating Montgomery into the team's offensive scheme while ensuring Marks continues to develop. The coaching staff will likely monitor the dynamics between the two players to maximize their effectiveness on the field. Fantasy football players will need to keep an eye on preseason games and training camp reports to gauge how the Texans plan to distribute carries and targets between Marks and Montgomery.
