For the most part, the Houston Texans are a near-perfect roster going into the 2026 NFL season.
After having questions with the offensive line, the Texans prioritized fixing the woes in free agency. They return 10 starters from the No. 1 defense and feature a better rushing attack with the arrival of former Lions Pro Bowler David Montgomery.
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But let’s say there was a concern. What would it be?
NFL.com’s Matt Okada recently published his list of the top issues remaining on every roster in the 2026 NFL season for all 32 teams. For the Texans, Okada identified the No. 2 running back role end as it still remains a mystery on what Woody Marks could be in Year 2.
“On paper, the Texans have fewer roster issues than most teams after upgrading their O-line and retaining essentially their entire defense this offseason,” Okada wrote. “But if we’re going to pick a nit, I’d point to the running back room. Houston added David Montgomery as a thunder element, but his Detroit success came in tandem with the lightning-esque play of Jahmyr Gibbs. Both Montgomery and Woody Marks were below league average in explosive run rate last year, and I worry Houston’s run game will lack spark in 2026.”
One of the biggest surprises of the offseason was Houston’s lack of targeting depth at running back. Yes, Montgomery joined the crew and should be a promising lead back, but he’s also be a No. 2 for most of the past three seasons. He was also the only running back added outside of the Oregon’s Noah Whittington, who was signed as an undrafted free-agent.
Whittington could be a surprise, but it still remains a big if for Houston. Injuries could also limit the Texans from being a team trustworthy of running the ball.
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This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans’ biggest issue remaining before 2026 season? NFL.com weighs in
