The Houston Texans have faced a considerable challenge in maintaining consistency in their running back position. Since Lamar Miller led the team in rushing yards from 2016 to 2018, no player has dominated this role for consecutive seasons. The roster has since seen 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).

The lack of a dominant player has led Houston to continuously hand the reins to new players each year. Current general manager Nick Caserio appears to persist with a strategy of rotating through veteran players, despite past shortcomings. This approach continues, although a long-term solution at running back remains elusive.

For the 2026 season, the Texans have introduced David Montgomery as their running back option. He arrives in Houston with a 2-year contract worth $16.5 million. Montgomery’s past performance with the Detroit Lions suggests potential, having played 17 games in 2025, rushing for 716 yards on 158 carries, and scoring 8 touchdowns.

Montgomery is perceived as an upgrade over previous Texans’ running backs. It’s believed he could have achieved over 1,000 rushing yards in each of the last three seasons if he had more carries. Even splitting carries with Jahmyr Gibbs, Montgomery’s statistics convey effectiveness. In 2025, he ranked 31st in total carries (158), 22nd in yards per attempt (4.5), and 17th in rushing touchdowns (8), outperforming many peers given fewer opportunities.

Questions remain about Montgomery’s capacity to excel without Gibbs and whether he can maintain fitness and effectiveness as the team’s primary back. Concerns also linger regarding whether Houston’s current offense can offer him the same chances he had with Detroit.

Montgomery’s arrival follow a trade and a restructured contract for continuity over two years. The Texans are hopeful that this decision pays off.