Texans RB David Montgomery Ruled Out Against Chargers: Is DeMeco Ryans Running Out of Answers in Houston's Backfield?

The Houston Texans are heading into another important matchup, and once again, they'll be doing it without one of their key offensive weapons. Running back David Montgomery remains sidelined with a groin injury, and head coach DeMeco Ryans has confirmed that the veteran won't suit up for Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Ryans described Montgomery's recovery as "week-to-week," while acknowledging that the running back has made progress.

Now, that's encouraging news if you're a Texans fan. But let's be real. Progress doesn't move the chains, pick up a blitzing linebacker or punch the football into the end zone on third-and-goal.

Montgomery suffered the injury during Houston's Oct. 11 matchup against the Tennessee Titans and has already missed two games. Sunday's absence will make it three straight, leaving Houston with another offensive challenge as the season moves deeper into November.

The bigger question isn't simply when Montgomery returns. It's whether the Texans can establish a consistent rushing attack without him. Earlier this week, I asked if Montgomery was a right fit for the Texans and his lingering injury is starting answer the question.

Montgomery wasn't brought to Houston just to be another name on the depth chart. His physical running style, veteran experience and ability to grind out difficult yards were supposed to provide balance to an offense built around quarterback C.J. Stroud.

When Montgomery is healthy, he gives Houston a downhill runner who doesn't mind lowering his shoulder and fighting through contact. That's especially valuable in short-yardage situations, where the Texans need to impose their will rather than get creative just to gain two yards.

Without him, Houston loses some of that physical identity.

And here's where things get interesting. The Texans can't afford to become an offense that relies entirely on Stroud making something happen through the air.

Defenses are too talented, coordinators are too smart, and the margin for error becomes too small when opponents know what's coming.

Montgomery's absence doesn't automatically mean Houston's running game is broken. But it does mean the coaching staff must find different ways to manufacture production.

Before suffering the injury, Montgomery recorded 138 rushing yards on 52 carries, averaging just 2.7 yards per attempt. He also contributed two rushing touchdowns and another score through the air.

Those numbers aren't exactly what Houston envisioned when it acquired him from Detroit during the offseason.

Meanwhile, Marks has recorded 184 rushing yards on 49 carries over the past three games, along with seven receptions for 63 yards.

Those statistics tell me something important: Houston's rushing struggles go beyond one injured player.

Whether it's inconsistent blocking, predictable play-calling or running backs struggling to find daylight, the Texans haven't consistently established the ground game they need.

And that's something offensive coordinator Nick Caley must address immediately.

I actually agree with Ryans taking a cautious approach to Montgomery's recovery.

Groin injuries can be tricky, particularly for running backs who depend on explosive cuts, acceleration and lower-body strength.

Rushing Montgomery back before he's ready could create a much bigger problem down the road.

But there's another side to this conversation.

At 2-5, Houston doesn't have the luxury of waiting around for everything to become perfect. Every game matters, and the Texans need to find ways to win with the players currently available.

That means Ryans and Caley must be willing to adjust their offensive philosophy rather than stubbornly sticking with something that isn't producing results.

The Chargers matchup offers another opportunity to prove they can do exactly that.

Look, I understand Montgomery is a valuable piece of Houston's offensive puzzle. But the Texans can't keep treating his eventual return as the answer to all their problems.

Even when healthy, Montgomery wasn't consistently producing explosive rushing numbers.

The offensive line needs to improve, the play-calling needs more creativity, and Houston must find a way to establish balance without placing unnecessary pressure on Stroud.

Montgomery's recovery is encouraging, but his absence should serve as a reminder that successful NFL offenses need depth, flexibility and the ability to adjust.

If Marks continues developing while Montgomery gets healthy, Houston could eventually have a stronger backfield combination.

But right now, the Texans have a football game to win.

And nobody on the Chargers' sideline is going to care that Houston's starting running back is week-to-week.

The bottom line? Houston needs Montgomery healthy for the long haul, but it needs a functioning running game right now.

That's the challenge facing DeMeco Ryans, and how he responds could help determine whether the Texans can turn their disappointing season around.