The Houston Texans are entering the 2026 season with a roster that has improved compared to the previous year, yet retains many familiar faces. Among these returning players, three individuals are anticipated to take on notably different roles this season due to various circumstances.
Woody Marks, a second-year running back, is expected to see a reduction in his backfield opportunities. Last season, he stepped up as the lead back after veteran Joe Mixon was sidelined with an injury.
Marks led the team in carries, rushing yards, and touchdowns, but with the addition of David Montgomery as the new starting running back, Marks is likely to transition into a change-of-pace role. This shift may allow him to leverage his skills in passing situations, potentially benefiting the Texans' overall offensive performance.
Wide receiver Jaylin Noel is also poised for a change. After primarily serving as a special teams returner last season, Noel is expected to increase his offensive contributions. With Christian Kirk leaving for the San Francisco 49ers and Jayden Higgins out for the season due to an ACL injury, Noel's role in the slot is crucial.
He is seen as a strong candidate to complement Nico Collins and could see a significant uptick in targets, especially after a productive offseason.
Lastly, veteran center Jake Andrews finds himself in a different position as well. After starting for the Texans last season, Andrews will now serve as a backup with the signing of free agent Evan Brown as the starting center. Despite this change, Andrews remains on the 53-man roster, indicating the team's trust in his ability to step in if needed.
