Woody Marks may have officially seized control of the Houston Texans’ backfield, and head coach DeMeco Ryans wants to see him continue to capitalize on what they expect to be increased opportunities.
Marks was the No. 116 overall pick in the 2025 draft.
Brought in to be a change-of-pace option behind Joe Mixon, who is on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, and Nick Chubb, Marks has emerged as so much more.
Woody Marks Gets Clear Message After Turning Heads
GettyWoody Marks #27 of the Houston Texans carries the ball against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Houston Chronicle’s Sam Warren noted that the Texans leaned on Marks more against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10 than they had all season.
“The Houston Texans appeared to have a new lead back Sunday,” Warren wrote on November 13. “The moment was overdue for the rookie who has been a key part of Houston’s running back rotation this year.
Warren’s take comes on the heels of Ryans’ comments about Marks and his fellow rookies.
“No more rookies. Woody, let’s go. Woody’s doing a great job. We got to continue to feed him more. [Jayden] Higgins on the outside. Everybody sees, this guy’s catch radius is insane. Put the ball in his vicinity. He’s going to go and get it. You need a big play. Who shows up on fourth down? It’s Jaylin Noel showing up, when we needed it most, to make that play,” Ryans said on “All Access” on November 11.
“These guys are not rookies. They’re making plays in the critical times of a game. Crunch time. We need it most. We’re counting on the rookies. Tae is doing a great job there at left tackle, continuing to battle down in, down out. He’s getting better as the season is going on. So, yeah. The rookie nameplate is off. It’s like, let’s go, and how can we finish this season the right way?”
While Higgins and Noel have come up big in clutch moments, Marks and “Tae” [Aireontae Ersery] have been consistent contributors at two of the game’s most demanding positions.
Texans Plan to Lean on ‘1-2 Punch’ at RB
GettyNick Chubb #21 of the Houston Texans runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers.
Offensive coordinator Nick Caley likes the combination of Chubb and Marks, noting that who leads the backfield could change week to week. Ryans also touted the Texans’ unexpected top backfield duo.
“He did a really nice job handling the bulk of the carries for us,” Ryans said on November 10. “When Chubb came in and got his opportunities, he had some explosive runs.
“It was a good 1-2 punch that we were able to use.”
With Mixon sidelined, Chubb was set to be the Texans’ lead back, and he started the first eight games. However, Chubb is on a one-year contract, while the Texans also have decisions to make on Mixon, leaving Marks positioned to solidify his role as RB1 for next season.
Woody Marks Sends Message After 1st Start
GettyWoody Marks #27 of the Houston Texans runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans.
Marks is now up to 304 yards and 2 touchdowns on 81 rushing attempts, adding 15 receptions for 183 yards and 2 TDs. He knows there is a long way to go, and Marks is determined to realize his potential.
However, he is already making a strong impression.
“Staying laser focused and don’t get too hot, get too low,” Marks said, per Warren. “Just stay in the middle. I’ve always got room for improvement.”
“We knew exactly what Woody could do,” Ersery said, per Warren. “He was shifty, he could make people miss. He’s not a small guy, he can run you over too. He’s like the perfect running back. And like I said, man, I’m just so happy for him and I’m glad he’s doing great things.”
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