Texans RB Dare Ogunbowale Could See Increased Role

Texans’ Backfield Banged Up, Woody Marks and David Montgomery Both Questionable

Houston Texans running back Woody Marks was not seen during the portion of Thursday’s practice open to reporters, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. Marks has a knee injury. He was a limited participant Wednesday and did not finish that session after mild knee discomfort, and the team is taking a wait-and-see approach. The Texans play at the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, and Marks’ status for the game is unclear.

Montgomery was back on the field Thursday after missing Wednesday’s practice, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. He has not played since he suffered a groin injury on Oct. 11 at Tennessee, and he has missed the last three games. Coach DeMeco Ryans said Montgomery is “getting better” and that the team is encouraged by his progress, but he has not committed to a return date. Montgomery has 138 rushing yards on 52 carries this season, a 2.7 average, and both of his touchdowns came in Week 1.

If neither back plays, the Texans would turn to Emari Demercado and Dare Ogunbowale. Demercado made his Houston debut in last Sunday’s 44-22 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and had six carries for 16 yards and one catch for eight yards. Ogunbowale had no carries in that game. He caught his only target for three yards while playing eight offensive snaps, and he had no offensive touches in the Week 7 overtime loss to the New York Giants. Houston signed him off the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad on Sept. 29.

Marks has carried the load in Montgomery’s absence. He ran 19 times for 66 yards against the Giants and 18 times for 70 yards against the Chargers. For the season, he has 95 carries for 341 yards, an average of 3.6, with two rushing touchdowns in eight games. The Texans are 3-5 and trail the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South, so Sunday’s game carries weight.

Dare Ogunbowale works best in deep leagues or a DFS Sleeer for week 10