The Houston Texans are navigating significant uncertainty in their backfield as they prepare for an upcoming matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Reports indicate that the team could be “without their top running backs” due to ongoing health concerns that have hampered preparations.
The situation became more pressing after rookie running back Woody Marks was unable to participate in recent team drills. The staff noted that “Woody Marks misses practice”, raising questions about his availability for the crucial contest. Coaches have not yet provided a definitive timeline for his potential return to the field.
This development adds to the existing challenges faced by the Houston offense, which has relied heavily on its ground game throughout the current season. If Marks is sidelined, the coaching staff will likely need to adjust their offensive strategy to compensate for the missing production. Depth players are currently taking increased repetitions during sessions to ensure they are ready to step into larger roles if necessary.
Medical personnel are continuing to evaluate the status of the injured players to determine if they can safely compete on Sunday. The team remains cautious, prioritizing long-term health over immediate availability in a high-stakes environment. Fans and analysts are awaiting the final injury report, which is expected to be released shortly before kickoff to confirm the active roster.
The Cleveland defense has been preparing for various scenarios, acknowledging that Houston could utilize a committee approach if the primary starters remain unavailable. The Texans are expected to maintain a standard preparation schedule while monitoring the situation closely. Any further updates regarding the running back rotation will likely be provided by the team during their final media briefing prior to the game. For now, the organization is focused on maximizing the potential of the remaining healthy roster members to secure a win against their conference rivals in this pivotal mid-season encounter.