Woody Marks’ Time: Texans Backfield Belongs to Him With David Montgomery Out vs. Giants

The Houston Texans have spent much of the season trying to figure out exactly what their running back rotation should look like. But heading into Sunday’s matchup against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium, injuries may have finally answered the question for them.

This is Woody Marks’ backfield now.

David Montgomery has officially been ruled out with the groin injury that has kept him from practicing this week. And with Jawhar Jordan also unavailable, Houston will lean on Marks with Dare Ogunbowale and Deuce Vaughn providing depth behind him. Offensive coordinator Nick Caley has already indicated Marks will receive a healthy workload.

For Marks, this isn’t just another opportunity to fill in. This could be his opportunity to take control of the Texans’ backfield.

The numbers might not jump off the screen, but Marks has quietly become Houston’s most productive runner.

Through six games, Marks leads the Texans with 205 rushing yards on 58 carries, averaging 3.5 yards per attempt with two touchdowns. Montgomery has 138 yards on 52 attempts with two rushing touchdowns. Marks has also contributed 13 receptions for 79 yards.

More importantly, Houston has been feeding him the football lately.

Marks carried the ball 15 times for 62 yards against Tennessee and followed that with another 15 carries for 56 yards in Houston’s 34-31 victory over Jacksonville in London. He added two receptions for 25 yards against the Jaguars.

Those aren’t superstar numbers. But they show something Houston desperately needs: consistency.

The Texans don’t necessarily need Marks to become Derrick Henry overnight. They need him to keep the offense ahead of the chains, protect C.J. Stroud from obvious passing situations and make New York respect the possibility of Houston running the football.

This is where I want to see Houston get aggressive. Give Marks the ball early. Let him establish the physical tone instead of waiting until the second half to decide the running game matters.

Houston has won two straight games after that ugly 0-4 start, and the offense is finally beginning to develop some rhythm. Stroud threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns in the London victory over Jacksonville, but Houston cannot expect him to carry the entire offense every Sunday.

A dependable running game changes everything.

Play-action becomes more dangerous. The linebackers have to step forward. Passing windows become larger. And most importantly, Stroud doesn't have to drop back 40-plus times while opposing defensive linemen pin their ears back.

Marks can help create that balance.

Sunday is also an audition for the future of this backfield.

Montgomery will still have a role when healthy. Nobody should expect Houston to simply forget about a proven veteran because he missed a couple of games.

But Marks has a chance to change the conversation.

If he puts together a strong performance against New York, something in that 80-to-100-yard neighborhood with a touchdown and a few catches, Houston may have to reconsider how the carries are distributed when Montgomery returns.

Sometimes players don't become starters because of some grand coaching decision. Sometimes opportunity knocks because somebody else gets hurt.

The question is whether you kick the door open.

I want to see Woody Marks get that chance Sunday.

Not eight carries. Not 10 carries while Houston abandons the run after one bad series. Give him 15 to 20 touches and see what happens.

Marks doesn't need to become the entire offense. He simply needs to become the dependable engine beside Stroud.

Houston finally has some momentum after winning two straight. Now Marks has an opportunity to help keep that train moving.

David Montgomery's injury may have opened the door. Now Woody Marks needs to run straight through it.