The Houston Texans are gearing up for the 2026 season with a roster that shows improvement from the previous year. Several players are expected to undergo notable changes in their roles.
Running back Woody Marks, who took on the lead role last season due to an injury to Joe Mixon, is anticipated to shift to a change-of-pace position. With David Montgomery joining the team as the primary runner, Marks will likely focus on third-down plays, utilizing his speed and receiving capabilities.
Wide receiver Jaylin Noel, who had a limited offensive impact last season while primarily contributing to special teams, is expected to see more opportunities. The exit of Christian Kirk and the injury to Jayden Higgins have opened the door for Noel to play alongside Nico Collins, positioning him for a potential breakout season.
Additionally, Jake Andrews, the starting center last year, will now serve as a backup after the Texans signed Evan Brown to take over the center position. Despite this adjustment, Andrews remains on the 53-man roster, showing the team's confidence in his ability to step in when needed.
These changes reflect the Texans' efforts to strengthen their offensive strategy as they prepare for the upcoming season.
