​Knowing that Pro Bowler Joe Mixon’s tenure with a Houston Texans uniform was never truly viable, general manager Nick Caserio moved quickly to reshape the backfield. He wasted little time identifying low-profile targets in the NFL Draft to complement then-rookie Woody Marks, ultimately dispatching a Day 3 pick to the Detroit Lions for veteran Pro Bowler David Montgomery. At 29, Montgomery is an older back, but his time in Detroit was limited by the presence of All-Pro Jahmyr Gibbs, meaning the tread on his tires remains substantial enough for a lead-back role to spark the Texans’ offense in 2026.
So where does Montgomery stand among all active running backs for the upcoming season? Pro Football Focus places Houston’s upgrade only in the subtle-to-moderate range, listing Montgomery as the No. 26 running back for the 2026 campaign. “Montgomery enters his age-29 season coming off three productive years in Detroit,” PFF noted. “Although he posted new career-lows in carries, rushing yards, and forced missed tackles in 2025, Montgomery ranks sixth in the NFL with 33 rushing touchdowns across the past three regular seasons. He’ll continue to share the backfield in Houston with the rise of Woody Marks.”
The Texans are banking on Montgomery to be a steady complement to a dynamic offense centered around C.J. Stroud. They envision him stepping into a lead-back role in short-yardage and third-down situations while Marks develops into a long-term successor. Montgomery’s durability is a key asset in the calculation: after a career in which he has avoided significant injuries, he enters the league’s late stages with a body that feels younger than his actual age, largely due to the reduced wear-and-tear from the three seasons he split carries with Gibbs in Detroit. Houston sees him as more than a stopgap; they view him as a bridge to an efficient, two-pronged backfield that can keep defenses honest and relieve pressure on the passing game.
The plan hinges on Montgomery delivering as a difference-maker—one who can shoulder heavy workloads on extended drives and help maintain offensive balance when Stroud needs a breather or when the aerial attack faces stacked boxes. If Montgomery can recapture even a portion of his earlier production and remain healthy, the Texans’ backfield could be a more reliable pillar for the offense, reducing the strain on a young quarterback and offering a versatile option for different game scenarios.
Houston is scheduled to commence training camp on July 21, providing an opportunity to see how the backfield clicks in practice and how quickly Montgomery can adapt to the Texans’ system and playbook. The expectation is that his presence will not only shore up the rushing attack but also stabilize situational football—second- and third-down efficiency, goal-line opportunities, and pass protection—areas where the team hopes to capitalize while Stroud continues to grow into his role as the starter.
This piece first appeared on Texans Wire, with Pro Football Focus placing David Montgomery at No. 26 among NFL running backs ahead of the 2026 season, a reflection of Houston’s intent to maximize Montgomery’s experience and versatility alongside a promising rookie in Woody Marks, as the organization aims to push into the AFC Championship conversation. The Texans’ front office looks at Montgomery as more than a simple veteran presence; they see a catalyst who can help elevate the offense into a more potent and dynamic unit as they navigate the 2026 season.