The Houston Texans may be reaching the point where David Montgomery’s role has to shrink, and fast.
After an offseason move that was supposed to steady their run game, Montgomery has not come close to delivering. Houston is 1-4, the offense just added Marvin Harrison Jr. in hopes of getting a lift, and the ground attack still looks like the weak link. That has led ESPN’s Bill Barnwell to raise the possibility that the Texans may have “no choice” but to bench Montgomery and give Woody Marks the backfield.
“The Texans have been hesitant to turn the lead role over to Marks, but Montgomery's struggles and the groin injury might leave them no choice,” Barnwell writes.
The numbers explain why that conversation is happening. In five games, one of them shortened by injury, Montgomery has 52 carries for 138 yards and two touchdowns. That works out to just 2.7 yards per carry, a rough return for a player brought in to be the team’s RB1 and improve the rushing attack.
His receiving line has been modest as well: seven catches on seven targets for 67 yards and a touchdown. All three of Montgomery’s scores came in Week 1, and since then he has not topped 50 total yards in any game, no matter how many touches he’s gotten.
Marks has not exactly blown the doors off, but he has been steadier, averaging 3.5 yards per carry and showing more consistent production. That may be enough for the Texans to finally lean in his direction.
Montgomery’s groin injury only adds to the uncertainty. Barnwell noted that he is not likely to play in Week 6 and could also miss Week 7. If Marks handles a full-time starting role well, Montgomery’s path back to major touches could get even narrower, with a possible move to RB2 the rest of the way.
In Other News...
C.J. Stroud Is Already Sending A Clear Message About Marvin Harrison Jr
C.J. Stroud didnt waste time sizing up Marvin Harrison Jr. after the receivers arrival in Houston. Stroud pointed back to their college connection and made it clear he already knows what Harrison brings, praising both his work ethic and the sharp route running that made him such a standout before reaching the Texans. For a team looking to keep building around its young quarterback, that kind of instant comfort between passer and target is a good place to start.
Stroud also seemed intent on cutting through the noise that tends to follow a player like Harrison. Instead of getting caught up in outside perceptions, he voiced confidence that Harrison will produce in Houston and stressed the value of focusing on personal growth. For the Texans, it is another reminder that Stroud is not just talking about chemistry, he is setting a tone for how the offense should think about expectation, development and what comes next. [Read more 🡒]
Texans Suddenly Look Healthier Ahead Of A Jaguars Test That Just Got Tougher
The Texans got a noticeable lift in practice this week, with several players who had been sidelined by injuries back on the field in full. Wide receiver Tank Dell, linebacker Henry To'oTo'o and cornerback Ja'Marcus Ingram all returned to full work, giving Houston a healthier look as it prepares for its upcoming meeting with the Jaguars in London.
Offensive tackle Braden Smith was also reinstated and is expected to compete for a starting spot, another sign the roster is trending in the right direction at a useful time. Houston still has work to do before kickoff, but the added depth and flexibility make a tricky trip against Jacksonville look a little less daunting than it did earlier in the week. [Read more 🡒]
Texans Just Benefited From A Cardinals Decision That Stung Arizona
The Cardinals decision to lock up Michael Wilson after his breakout season signaled a clear change in how Arizona wanted to build its passing game, and it helped set the stage for a move that immediately altered the Texans outlook. Houston wound up on the receiving end when Arizona sent Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Texans for draft capital, a deal that marked a real shift in the Cardinals offensive structure and gave Houston another intriguing piece to work with.
Wilsons reaction only underscored how much the trade meant inside that building. He said Harrisons departure was difficult and praised his work ethic and character, a reminder that these moves are never just about roster math. For the Texans, though, the bigger takeaway is simple: they benefited from a Cardinals decision that clearly came with some pain in Arizona. [Read more 🡒]