Houston Texans rookie running back Woody Marks, who is currently listed as questionable, may have the chance to rest this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, allowing his troublesome ankle injury to heal further. His potential absence comes as veteran running back Nick Chubb, also marked as questionable, is anticipated to return from a one-game hiatus due to a rib injury sustained earlier in the season.
Chubb missed the previous game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15 but brings valuable experience back to the Texans’ lineup. His return is expected to foster a stronger presence in the backfield alongside second-year running back Jawhar Jordan. Jordan had an impressive outing last week, rushing for a career-high 101 yards in the Texans’ 40-20 victory over the Cardinals.
Head Coach DeMeco Ryans praised Jordan’s performance, noting, “I thought he did an outstanding job of taking advantage of the opportunity that was presented to him. He did a great job of getting over 100 yards rushing, making some explosive runs for us.” Ryans emphasized the importance of Jordan’s contributions while also addressing the decision to have Marks rest during the game due to his ankle injury.
Marks struggled with the pain during last week’s matchup and left the field multiple times, ultimately leading to the decision to allow him to sit out for the remainder of the game. Ryans explained, “Woody could have come back in the game. For where he was… He got his ankle tweaked a little bit early in the game. We wanted to keep rolling with those guys and make sure Woody is good as we continue to go into the week.”
As the Texans aim for their third consecutive playoff appearance, securing Marks’ health is vital, especially with a significant Week 17 showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers that carries considerable playoff implications. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Marks has made an impact in his rookie season, recording 584 rushing yards on 167 carries and two touchdowns over 14 games. He has also been a key component in Houston’s current six-game winning streak.
While the Texans cannot afford to overlook the Raiders this week, giving Marks the opportunity to rest could bolster their backfield as they prepare for the Chargers, ensuring they have the healthiest roster possible for their playoff push. The team’s resilience and depth are becoming increasingly evident, and the return of experienced players will undoubtedly contribute to their success as they navigate the critical stages of the season.