Texans RB Woody Marks Fined for Helmet-to-Helmet Hit in Divisional Loss
The Houston Texans' playoff exit came with a little extra sting this week-one that showed up on the league’s transaction sheet. Rookie running back Woody Marks has been fined $6,061 for unnecessary roughness stemming from a helmet-to-helmet hit during the Texans’ AFC Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots.
The play in question unfolded in the second quarter, with 8:37 left on the clock. After quarterback C.J.
Stroud threw an interception to Patriots rookie safety Craig Woodson, Marks shifted from ball carrier to last line of defense. He made the tackle, but not without drawing the attention of the league office.
Though no flag was thrown during the game, a postgame review determined that Marks lowered his head and led with the crown of his helmet-an infraction under Rule 12, Section 2, Article 10 of the NFL rulebook. That rule, which prohibits players from initiating forcible contact with any part of the helmet, has been a focal point of the league’s player safety efforts in recent years. It’s designed to protect not only the player on the receiving end, but also the one delivering the hit-especially in high-speed, high-impact moments like this one.
A Tough End to a Promising Rookie Campaign
For Marks, the fine capped a rough afternoon in what had otherwise been a breakout rookie season. The fourth-round pick out of USC had carved out a key role in Houston’s offense throughout the year, finishing with 703 rushing yards and establishing himself as a back capable of handling a full workload. But against a disciplined Patriots defense, he never found his rhythm.
Marks was limited to just 17 rushing yards on 14 carries-an average of 1.2 yards per attempt-and lost a crucial fumble in the third quarter. Combined with Stroud’s four-interception outing, the Texans couldn’t keep pace in a 28-16 defeat that exposed some of the team’s lingering offensive vulnerabilities.
Still, the bigger picture for Marks remains encouraging. Rookie growing pains are part of the deal, especially in the postseason spotlight. And despite the fine, the Texans have every reason to be optimistic about his development.
What Comes Next for Houston’s Run Game
With Houston finishing the season ranked 22nd in rushing, it’s clear the ground game needs a boost. Marks showed he can be part of the solution, but he’ll need help-particularly up front. Expect the Texans’ front office to spend part of the offseason evaluating the interior offensive line and exploring ways to lighten the load on their young back.
The fine itself? A financial blip for a player on a rookie deal, but a clear message from the league: helmet-first tackles, even in the heat of a turnover play, won’t be overlooked. That’s especially true in the postseason, where the stakes-and the scrutiny-are higher.
As the Texans regroup and turn their focus to 2026, Marks will be a central figure in that process. He’s already proven he belongs in the league. Now it’s about refining the edges-protecting the football, staying disciplined in pursuit, and continuing to grow into the kind of every-down back Houston can lean on.
For a team that’s building around a young quarterback and aiming to take the next step, Woody Marks will have plenty of chances to make his mark-just not with the crown of his helmet.