Latest Fantasy News on Woody Marks' Future on Texans' RB Depth Chart After David Montgomery Contract

After emerging as the Houston Texans' starting running back during his rookie season, Woody Marks could be in for a new role in 2026 that could affect his fantasy value.

According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston, Marks "is adapting smoothly to a complementary role" behind veteran running back David Montgomery, who was acquired from the Detroit Lions in an offseason trade. Wilson added that the Texans "still envision a solid workload for Marks that includes third-down pass-catching duties and carries along with a new role on kickoff returns."

A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, Marks led the Texans with 703 rushing yards and ran for two touchdowns. He added 24 catches for 208 yards and three more scores.

"I think the key for Woody is understanding his role, which he does," Texans running backs coach and assistant head coach Danny Barrett told Wilson. "He's going to get lots of opportunities. Last year we brought him along slower, which was good to help him kind of learn the game. And once he learned the game, he played a lot faster. And you can see him now playing even faster. So, his role is going to pick up some third downs, special teams. He's a kickoff return guy. But, more importantly, probably in the passing game as well. Just his level of confidence in the offense going into Year Two is at an all-time high right now. We've got to keep it there."

Montgomery spent the last three seasons splitting carries with Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit's backfield. The 29-year-old played in all 17 games in 2025 and rushed for 716 yards and eight touchdowns.

Montgomery has rushed for over 1,000 yards just twice in his seven-year career, so it's hard to rely on him as an RB1 in fantasy. Marks also could be considered more of a flex option after Wilson's latest report, so he could be available in later rounds of fantasy drafts this year.