Woody Marks Scores Again, But Texans' Ground Game Remains in Neutral

As the calendar flips to October 5, 2026, the Houston Texans find themselves mired in an offensive quagmire, and rookie running back Woody Marks is both a glimmer of hope and a symptom of the struggle. In a Week 4 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Marks found the end zone for the second consecutive game, carrying six times for 22 yards and a touchdown. While the scoring streak is a nice footnote, it does little to mask the broader issues plaguing Houston's rushing attack. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Texans' ground game is averaging a paltry 3.2 yards per carry, ranking near the bottom of the league.

The Numbers Behind the Drought

Marks, a fourth-round pick out of USC, has now rushed for just 89 yards on 28 carries this season, a 3.2 yards-per-carry average that mirrors the team's overall inefficiency. Despite these modest numbers, offensive coordinator Nick Caley has stubbornly deployed a committee approach, splitting touches between Marks and veteran David Montgomery. Montgomery, acquired in the offseason to bolster the backfield, hasn't fared much better, and the duo's lack of production has left fantasy managers and Texans fans alike searching for answers. As highlighted on Vulius, the Texans' rushing offense ranks 31st in DVOA, a far cry from the explosive potential many envisioned.

Committee Conundrum

Why does Caley persist with a timeshare when neither back has seized the job? The answer may lie in the passing game. Marks, known for his receiving chops at USC, has been utilized sparingly as a receiver (just seven catches for 38 yards), but his ability to chip and release could be an asset if the Texans ever establish a rhythm. Yet, with the offensive line struggling to create lanes, both Marks and Montgomery are often met in the backfield. "We've got to be better up front and give our backs a chance," Caley said after the loss, per Vulius sources. "Woody's a young player who's learning, but we believe in his versatility."

Fantasy Fallout

For fantasy football enthusiasts, Marks's touchdown dependency makes him a volatile RB3/Flex option at best. Heading into a Week 5 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, who allow the 12th-fewest fantasy points to running backs, Marks is a risky start. The Titans' stout front seven, led by Jeffery Simmons, could suffocate Houston's already anemic run game. Unless Caley drastically alters his approach, Marks will remain a touchdown-or-bust play, limiting his ceiling in both standard and PPR formats.

What's Next?

The Texans (2-2) host the Titans (1-3) in a crucial AFC South clash. A win would keep Houston in the division hunt, but a loss could send them spiraling. For Marks, the opportunity to carve out a larger role is there, but he must capitalize on limited touches. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk observes, the rookie's development is a bright spot in an otherwise dim offensive landscape. Whether he can transcend the committee and become a reliable every-week starter remains to be seen, but for now, fantasy managers should temper expectations.

"Woody's got the talent, but this offense is stuck in the mud. Until the line improves, no back is going to thrive." — Anonymous NFC scout, via Vulius Sports

For more NFL insights and to gear up with official Texans merchandise, visit Vulius.com. Stay tuned as we continue to monitor Marks's progression and the Texans' offensive adjustments.