The Houston Texans are looking to improve offensively this season, and one of the biggest areas may be the running game. While the offensive line has drawn most of the headlines, the Texans' rushing attack ranked 13th in rushing yards per attempt (4.4) last season and navigated a three-game absence by starting running back Joe Mixon.
With Mixon entering his age-29 season, the Texans attempted to create depth and competition this offseason. Nick Chubb was brought in to bring another former Pro Bowler into the fold, and the Texans still have Dameon Pierce, who came just shy of posting a 1,000-yard campaign in his rookie season in 2022.
But with all the recognizable names in the backfield, it could be an unheralded rookie that could emerge. And he has a golden opportunity after several veterans hit the injured list to begin training camp.
Woody Marks Could Earn Big Role Amid Texans Injury Woes
According to Houston Football’s Cody Stoots, Mixon will begin training camp on the non-football injury list while Pierce will be on the physically unable to perform list. While the first instinct is to think of Chubb, who was one of the league’s best running backs during his time with the Cleveland Browns, it also will open up work for fourth-round rookie Woody Marks.
Joe Mixon begins training camp on the Non-Football Injury list.
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) July 23, 2025
Dameon Pierce begins on the physically unable to perform list.
Plenty of opportunities for running backs Nick Chubb, Woody Marks, and others while those two work back. #Texans
Marks was an intriguing pick by Houston after breaking out at USC last season. After spending his first four seasons at Mississippi State, Marks had the largest role of his career with the Trojans, running for 1,133 yards and nine touchdowns while also catching 47 passes for 321 yards in 12 games.
The 24-year-old also showed 4.5-speed with his time in the 40-yard dash during his Pro Day and the NFL Scouting Combine, and has a running style that The Athletic’s Dane Brugler believes make him tough to get on the ground.
“Overall, Marks has only average explosiveness and speed, but his low-to-the-ground run style and sharp run angles make him tough to get on the ground,” Brugler wrote. “His pass-catching skills and impact on third downs will ensure him a role in an NFL backfield.”
Talent is only one piece of the puzzle, but the Texans’ injury woes may also give him an opportunity. Mixon didn’t practice during OTAs and minicamp because of an ankle injury, but the Texans are hoping it won’t sideline him for an extended period according to ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime. Meanwhile, Pierce has an undisclosed injury but has fallen out of favor with the Texans staff, with most of last year’s production coming in the Week 18 regular season finale against the Tennessee Titans.
Chubb will likely get the first crack to seize a large role but Marks has to like the way things are panning out. If Mixon misses more time than expected, it could open the door for Marks to break through and add a boost to Houston’s ground game.