Houston Texans’ running back Woody Marks’ status remains uncertain heading into their Week 14 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Marks briefly left the team’s Week 13 game with a foot injury and did not practice on Wednesday ahead of the team’s visit to Arrowhead on Sunday Night Football.
Will the Texans Have RB Woody Marks Available in Week 14?
During the Texans’ prominent 20-16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13, Marks headed down the tunnel and to the locker room in the first quarter after suffering what the team is calling an ankle injury. The good news for Marks and the Texans was that the running back returned to the field not long after.
Marks completed the game, accumulating 19 carries for 64 yards while also adding one reception for three yards. Following the victory, Marks downplayed the injury, and the fact that he was able to return to action without visible limitations is encouraging.
These facts could have suggested that Marks was good and ready to go for the upcoming must-win game against the Chiefs. However, new information is making fans second-guess the running back’s forthcoming availability.
MORE: Cummings’ 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Dante Moore and Fernando Mendoza Top Board, David Bailey Rises
Following Wednesday’s practice, Marks appeared on the Texans’ injury report with a “did not practice” designation, suggesting Marks may not be 100%. However, with the game not taking place until Sunday night, Marks has plenty of time to heal and get back to full health before the bout.
Wednesday practices are hardly make-or-break regarding a decision on availability for a player. Marks, who carried a large workload last week, could strongly benefit from a day of physical therapy to get that foot right in time for Sunday, especially if he is expected to have another heavy workload against a stout Chiefs run defence.
If Marks suits up, establishing the run will be their key to slowing down the game, protecting quarterback C.J Stroud, and keeping Patrick Mahomes off the field.
However, the Texans’ rushing offense has been less than impressive this season, accumulating a total of 1,292 yards on the ground, which ranks 23rd in the NFL. The team’s struggles on the ground have contributed to the Texans’ poor overall offense. Through 12 games, the 7-5 Texans have an OFFi score of 71.2 (C-), which also ranks 23rd, according to PFSN.
Marks has impressed under the circumstances of a poor offensive line, enough so to earn the majority of the work in the backfield as a rookie. The fourth round pick out of USC, from this past NFL Draft, holds an RB impact score of 69.2 (D+).
The Texans have been relying on the rookie, and his status is something to monitor throughout the week. The Texans will hope their promising back is ready to go when the lights shine brightest against the Chiefs on primetime.