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Woody Marks’ Texans Opportunity Comes With a Bigger Test Against Chargers
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- Woody Marks’ Texans Opportunity Comes With a Bigger Test Against Chargers
Woody Marks has another opportunity to show the Houston Texans what he can handle. With David Montgomery remaining sidelined, Sunday's trip to face the Los Angeles Chargers puts more responsibility on Marks and in my view, more responsibility on the coaches to give him a workable plan. Houston needs a running game that helps C.J. Stroud sustain drives, and simply handing one back more carries won't guarantee that happens.
Coach DeMeco Ryans said Nov. 4 that Montgomery would miss the Chargers game as he continues recovering from a groin injury. Ryans described him as week-to-week while noting progress, according to reporting carried by Yahoo Sports.
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That leaves Marks with a timely chance to strengthen his case for a substantial role even after Montgomery returns.
The Numbers Show Opportunity and Work Ahead
Through seven games, Houston's official statistics list Marks with 77 carries for 271 yards and two touchdowns. His 3.5 yards per carry lead Montgomery's 2.6, but neither average gives this offense much reason to feel comfortable. Marks also has 14 receptions for 94 yards.
My takeaway is that Marks deserves an extended look, with realistic expectations attached.
He can influence the running game through his decisions, timing and ability to finish a carry. He still needs blocking that gives those qualities somewhere to go. When we evaluate him Sunday, we should consider whether he maximizes available space and makes sound choices, alongside the final yardage total.
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For fans already looking toward next spring's draft, this matters. Houston needs useful evidence about its current backfield before deciding how heavily to invest in another one.
Make His Receiving Work Count
The part of Marks' opportunity that interests me most is how Houston uses him when Stroud drops back.
I would like to see the Texans build a few deliberate receiving chances into his workload. A screen with blockers in position, a quick outlet against pressure or a route that creates a favorable matchup can give the offense another way to gain yards.
Those are recommendations, not a report of the game plan.
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His receiving production so far establishes that he has been involved, but it does not prove he can become a major passing-game weapon. Sunday offers another chance to learn. A reliable backfield option could help Stroud avoid forcing a difficult throw and keep the offense moving when receivers are covered.
That contribution may look modest on television. Over several possessions, it can become valuable.
Protection Belongs in the Evaluation
The less glamorous part of a larger role is protecting the quarterback.
I'll be watching whether Marks recognizes pressure, handles his assignment and gives Stroud time to complete a play. Those snaps deserve attention even when Marks never touches the ball.
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Houston also has health concerns around its protection. The official Nov. 4 practice report listed tackle Braden Smith as limited with an ankle injury, while Blake Fisher participated fully with a thumb injury. Those were practice designations, not final declarations about Sunday's availability.
That makes communication especially important. The line, backs and quarterback need a shared answer when the Chargers change the look before the snap.
My Two Pennies
Marks should enter this game with a clear opportunity and a manageable assignment. Give him carries that fit what the blocking can execute. Include him in the passing plan. Hold him accountable for the work that keeps Stroud upright.
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I'm interested in seeing whether he earns more trust, one useful snap at a time.
Montgomery's absence creates an immediate problem, but it also gives Houston another chance to evaluate Marks under meaningful responsibility. If he helps the Texans stay on schedule and finish possessions, that should carry weight when the backfield is healthy again.
