Houston Texans’ Running Back Challenges

The Houston Texans have experienced a recurring issue with their running back position. Since Lamar Miller led the team in rushing yards consistently from 2016 to 2018, the team has not had the same player lead in consecutive seasons. Players like Carlos Hyde (1,070 yards in 2019), David Johnson (691 yards in 2020), Rex Burkhead (427 yards in 2021), Dameon Pierce (939 yards in 2022), Devin Singletary (898 yards in 2023), Joe Mixon (1,016 yards in 2024), and Woody Marks (703 yards in 2025) have taken the spotlight, but none have provided a long-term solution.

The Texans’ strategy involves frequently changing their key running back, which may indicate a lack of consistent success. General manager Nick Caserio has opted to rely on veterans and cast-offs, despite previous disappointments. The search for a lasting answer appears ongoing.

This year, David Montgomery has emerged as the potential solution. Montgomery, a consistent performer with the Detroit Lions, joined the Texans for the 2026 season. His statistics from 2025 show promise: 158 carries, 716 rushing yards, and eight touchdowns. At 29 years old, the 5’11” running back weighs 230 pounds and is contracted for two years at $16.5 million.

Montgomery has displayed more potential than many of his predecessors. If given more carries, he likely would have exceeded 1,000 rushing yards in the past three seasons. Despite sharing duties with Jahmyr Gibbs, he managed impressive rankings: No. 31 in total carries, No. 22 in yards per attempt at 4.5, and No. 17 in rushing touchdowns.

There is speculation about Montgomery’s ability to perform independently of his previous team. Questions remain about his capacity to maintain health and performance in an offense that has struggled fundamentally.

Acquired through a trade and signed to a new contract, Montgomery is expected to be a cornerstone for the Texans. The team’s faith in him is evident, and the upcoming season will test whether he can fulfill these expectations.