Houston Texans Seek Stability with David Montgomery

The Houston Texans have struggled to maintain consistency in their rushing attack since Lamar Miller’s tenure leading the team in rushing yards from 2016-2018. The Texans have seen a rotating lineup of running backs take the lead in subsequent years, including Carlos Hyde in 2019, David Johnson in 2020, and Rex Burkhead in 2021. They continued to rely on different players each season with Dameon Pierce in 2022, Devin Singletary in 2023, Joe Mixon in 2024, and Woody Marks in 2025. This cycle of change underscores the team’s difficulty in securing a steady performer at the position.

The Houston Texans’ general manager, Nick Caserio, remains determined to cycle through a mix of veterans and cast-offs despite past missteps. Even the introduction of a promising long-term candidate at the running back position appears to follow the same formula. This time, David Montgomery emerges as the potential solution for the team in the 2026 season.

RB David Montgomery
Height: 5′ 11″
Weight: 230 lbs
Age: 29
Contract: 2 years, $16.5 million
2025 Performance: 17 games, 158 rush attempts, 716 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns

Montgomery shows promise when compared to the Texans’ previous running backs. If given equivalent carries, he likely would have exceeded 1,000 yards annually in the past three seasons. He achieved this feat once, despite competing for carries with Jahmyr Gibbs while playing for the Detroit Lions.

In 2025, Montgomery ranked No. 31 in carry volume (158), No. 22 in yards per attempt (4.5), and No. 17 in rushing touchdowns (8). Despite fewer opportunities, these stats highlight Montgomery’s effectiveness. Analysts believe that without the presence of his talented former teammate, he might have placed in the top-five in rushing touchdowns over the previous three years.

Questions remain about Montgomery’s ability to maintain performance levels without Gibbs in the picture. Can he stay healthy while being the primary option? Will the Texans’ offense provide him similar chances as the Lions did?

Though the answers remain uncertain, Montgomery’s acquisition through a trade, followed by a restructured two-year contract, indicates the Texans’ hope in him as a critical part of their offensive strategy. The organization is betting on Montgomery’s potential to finally bring stability to their running game.