​As a rookie, Woody Marks led the Texans with 196 rushing attempts and 703 rushing yards, appearing in 16 games and contributing on 52 percent of the offensive snaps. His season featured a longest rushing run of 23 yards, 39 carries that converted into first downs, and two total touchdowns. With the offseason acquisition of David Montgomery, whom the Texans view as a true three-down back, Marks is transitioning toward a more versatile role that includes increased involvement in the passing game.
Headed into year two, Marks is preparing for a broader workload, including more third-down opportunities and special-teams duties, while continuing as a kickoff return option. The coaching staff believes his growth will come from embracing a more dynamic skill set in the passing game. Running backs coach and assistant head coach Danny Barrett emphasized Marks’s clear understanding of his role and the progress he has made. “I think the key for Woody is understanding his role, which he does,” Barrett told Aaron Wilson of KPRC. “He’s going to get lots of opportunities. Last year we brought him along slower, which was good to help him learn the game, and once he learned the game, he played a lot faster. And you can see him now playing even faster. So, his role is going to pick up some third downs, special teams. He’s a kickoff return guy. But, more importantly, probably in the passing game as well. Just his level of confidence in the offense going into Year 2 is at an all-time high right now. We’ve got to keep it there.”
Marks finished the 2023 season with 24 receptions for 208 yards and three touchdowns, highlighted by a 50-yard catch-and-run that showcased his big-play potential. He credited the coaching staff for expanding his route repertoire and carrying that growth onto the field. “Nick Caley is doing a great job right now,” Marks told Wilson. “Got me doing all types of routes, learning the route tree. Just get outside and just using me as he can so I can be productive.” The move to a more expansive role aligns with the Texans’ personnel strategy, signaling that Marks will be asked to contribute as a dual-threat back who can impact the passing game, while Montgomery handles a substantial share of the carries and third-down duties.
As the Texans rebuild their offense, Marks’s development as a pass-catching option adds a valuable dimension to the backfield. His trajectory suggests a season where he potentializes his opportunities in the receiving game, extends snaps on third downs, and delivers additional versatility on special teams. With the coaching staff’s confidence and a clearer understanding of his responsibilities, Marks’s preparation for Year 2 is aimed at maximizing his impact across multiple facets of the offense. Fans can expect him to continue maturing into a more complete back, capable of contributing in both the ground game and through the air as the Texans look to diversify their attack and improve overall offensive efficiency.