Woody Marks

Joe Mixon's return status is unclear with his non-guaranteed $8M salary for 2026. If he returns healthy, Marks reverts to backup role despite his 2025 breakout.

The Texans traded for David Montgomery (2yr/$16.5M) in early March 2026, explicitly installing him as the RB1. Marks is now the clear RB2 with his workload ceiling capped barring injury.

The Texans traded for David Montgomery in March 2026 on a 2-year, $16.5M deal and subsequently released Mixon — the 'mixon_release_likely' opportunity materialized but was immediately neutralized. With a multi-year commitment to Montgomery, Marks' path to lead-back volume is blocked through at least 2027.

The Texans traded two day-three picks plus Juice Scruggs for David Montgomery to be the clear RB1, dropping Marks from the lead role he held as a rookie to a complementary RB2. His season target share is already trending down (7%) even as carry share rose, signaling a shrinking pass-game-dependent role rather than bell-cow volume.

Marks operates in a crowded Houston backfield with Joe Mixon as the primary back and competition from other depth chart options. His path to consistent volume and RB1/RB2 production remains unclear without an injury to Mixon.

Marks ranked 48th out of 49 qualifying backs (100+ carries) at 3.6 YPC in 2025, with a 23% negative-yardage rate and weak YAC metrics. This profile raises serious questions about whether his volume-driven production was talent-based or purely opportunity-dependent.

Marks proved in 2025 he can absorb a full workload (18 GP, #28 PPR) when given opportunity. If Montgomery misses significant time, Marks steps directly into a C.J. Stroud/Nico Collins offense that profiles as a top-5 fantasy backfield environment.

Marks took over starting duties in Week 9 and led Houston on a 9-game winning streak, earning trust from coaching staff. He posted 112 yards and a TD in his playoff debut vs Pittsburgh.

Mixon missed all of 2025 with foot injury, has no guaranteed money in 2026, and Houston can save $8M by releasing him. Coach DeMeco Ryans stated there is 'no clarity' on Mixon's return.

The Stroud-led passing attack (Collins, Higgins) generates consistent check-down and screen opportunities for receiving backs; if Marks secures the third-down designation, he retains a PPR floor independent of Montgomery's health.