Houston has one of the most intriguing backfields in the league in 2026, and it could catch people by surprise. To go along with an improved offensive line, the Texans should have a much improved rushing attack compared to last season.
With the offseason addition of David Montgomery, some may have written off Woody Marks as a potential impact player. Instead, Marks is proving he deserves to compete for the starting job. So, what does it mean for the backfield picture as a whole?
Expectations for the Houston Texans running backs in 2026
Most of the Texans' offensive starters played the opening series of their preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders last week. Once again, Montgomery didn't play, but it was the first chance to see Marks in a game setting.
Marks gashed the Raiders for 37 rushing yards on four carries (9.3 average), including a 20-yard touchdown wherein he broke two tackles. He also hauled in a catch for six yards. Although it wasn't the entire starting defense for the Raiders, Marks looked like he could've had a big day if he played a full game.
Every run play seemed to be deisgned to go between the tackles, which is primarily where Montgomery speiclaizes. On his touchdown run, Marks was able to bounce it outside the right tackle and get into space. When both backs are available, Montgomery will likely get most of the inside carries, but it's good for the Texans to know Marks is capable of it too.
Marks is heading into his second season, whereas 2026 will be year eight for Montgomery. Sure, it means Montgomery has more experience, but it also means he has more miles on the speedometer. Given his injury history, it's unlikely for Montgomery to be able to handle the load of an RB1 for a full season.
If anyone takes over the backfield, it will be Marks. As a rookie, the USC product tallied 220 touches for 911 scrimmage yards and five total touchdowns. With the Lions in 2025, Montgomery had 182 touches, 908 yards and eight touchdowns. Statistically, it was his worst season since arriving in Detroit, but he also played alongside arguably the best back in the league in Jahmyr Gibbs.
Marks has had a strong training camp and preseason, but it should take more than a good day in August to move ahead of Montgomery on the depth chart. The backs will reportedly see a similar number of carries; Montgomery will get most of the short-yardage touches, and Marks can be expected on passing downs and perimeter runs.
If both backs remain healthy, it will likely be a committee for the entire season. If Marks continues his upward trend, however, he could end up handling most of the touches outside of the redzone.
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