Who Should I Start? Dameon Pierce or Woody Marks

Wednesday, July 23, 11:07 AM

The Houston Texans placed both wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) and running back Dameon Pierce (undisclosed) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Dell suffered a dislocated knee and tore his ACL, MCL and LCL last year in Week 16, so he's not expected to practice at all in training camp or play at all in 2025. The 25-year-old has already had multiple surgeries on his knee in the offseason and may never be the same player if he's able to return in 2026. It's part of the reason why Houston drafted rookie pass-catchers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Pierce, meanwhile, will be sidelined to begin training camp this summer with an undisclosed ailment, but he can be activated at any time. When healthy, he'll primarily be battling former Brown Nick Chubb for backup duties to Joe Mixon (ankle).

Sunday, May 11, 9:02 PM

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.