Who Should I Start? David Montgomery or Omarion Hampton

Wednesday, March 11, 8:47 AM

ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime writes that running back David Montgomery will enter the 2026 season as the "No. 1 back" for the Houston Texans after they acquired him from the Detroit Lions for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two draft picks. Montgomery had 2,506 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns in his three seasons with the Lions. The Texans were led last year by fourth-round rookie Woody Marks and veteran Nick Chubb and ranked 22nd in rushing yards per game (108). Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) missed the entire season and is expected to be released soon. Marks led the Texans with 703 rushing yards in his first year in the NFL, but it sounds like he'll take on more of a complementary role going into Year 2. Montgomery was unhappy with his role in Detroit last year behind Jahmyr Gibbs, as he had his fewest carries (158) and touches (182) in a season in his career despite playing in all 17 games. The 28-year-old should see more opportunities in Houston, although Marks won't suddenly go away, and Houston's offensive line was a weakness last year.