Houston Texans rookie running back Woody Marks is poised to have a role in the team's offense early on in his career. Marks, a fourth-round pick of Houston back in April's draft, spent four campaigns at the collegiate level with Mississippi State, but didn't break out as a rusher until 2024 during his time with USC. However, the 24-year-old's skill as a receiver is what sets him apart from the Texans' other options. Marks caught fewer than 47 balls just once in college, recording seasons with 60 and 83 receptions, too. With teammate Joe Mixon's (ankle) ankle injury clouding his status for 2025, the 24-year-old will be required to outwork Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale for backfield touches. Opportunities in the run game could be sparse with veteran Nick Chubb ahead of him in the pecking order, but Marks figures to get a chance to stand out in the receiving game. He's an intriguing late-round selection for zero-RB drafters and is a nice stash in dynasty formats.
Aug 30, 2025 12:01 PM EST
Houston Texans running back Woody Marks entered the final preseason game after Dameon Pierce got the start, but Marks scored Houston's first touchdown of the day on their way to a 26-7 win over the Lions. Marks finished the day with 19 rushing yards on six carries and three catches on three targets for 20 more yards through the air. He finished the preseason with 63 rushing yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, along with four catches for 20 yards. Marks could have a role early in the season if Joe Mixon (foot/ankle) is unavailable, as looks likely to be the case. The Texans will likely go with more proven options in Nick Chubb and Pierce as their primary replacements for Mixon, but Marks flashed enough potential that he could get a look early in the year as well. The rookie from USC is a flier in late rounds of standard leagues to see how his role shakes out.
Aug 24, 2025 8:33 AM EST
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans likes what he is seeing from the running back room with Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) still on the Non-Footbal Injury list during training camp. Ryans specifically praised veteran Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks on Saturday in the second preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. Marks had seven carries for a team-high 40 rushing yards on Saturday in the 20-3 win, and his fantasy stock is rising now that it's looking like Mixon could miss the first four games of the regular season. However, even if Mixon misses time, the 24-year-old rookie will be part of a committee backfield approach most likely, having to share touches with Chubb and Dameon Pierce. The most likely scenario is that Marks makes his mark in a passing-down role, which could make him worth a late-round flier for RB depth in PPR formats.
Aug 18, 2025 5:11 PM EST
Houston Texans running back Woody Marks totaled 40 rushing yards on seven carries on Saturday against Carolina, leading the team in both carries and rushing yards. The fourth-round rookie had the longest rush of the day with a 12-yard carry, but he worked with the second unit after Nick Chubb took the reps with starting quarterback C.J. Stroud. Demeon Pierce did not play, either, so it's still not clear exactly where Marks lands on the team's depth chart. At USC, Marks racked up 1,133 yards and nine touchdowns last season, and he also thrived as a receiver out of the backfield throughout his five-year college career. With Chubb and Pierce available, along with starter Joe Mixon (foot/ankle), Marks could have a hard time getting playing time in his rookie year. All three of those veterans have dealt with injuries this preseason, though, and Mixon is still uncertain for Week 1 on the Non-Football Injury list. Marks is a dynasty player to watch and could work his way onto the field at some point this season, but he isn't a consideration for standard re-draft leagues at this point.
Aug 18, 2025 8:36 AM EST
The Houston Texans have signed fourth-round rookie running back Woody Marks to a four-year, $5.2 million deal. Houston traded up to acquire the rights to the USC alum, sending a future third-rounder to the Miami Dolphins. Marks was a four-year player at Mississippi State and a prolific pass-catcher, particularly in his first two collegiate seasons when he totaled 143 receptions, 770 yards, and three touchdowns. He slowed down from there, but still caught at least 47 balls in two of his final three campaigns, including his last at USC. The 24-year-old isn't a burner, but don't confuse him with an early-down thumper. He's a decisive runner who trusts his blocking and possesses enough burst and shake to get to and through the second level consistently. Teammate Joe Mixon is the unquestioned RB1 in Houston, but there's little reason to think Marks couldn't challenge for backup duties. Due to his prowess as a receiver out of the backfield, seeing him garner snaps in those situations early on wouldn't be surprising.
May 11, 2025 9:02 PM EST
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