The Houston Texans are preparing for the 2026 season with a roster that appears to be stronger than last year's. Significant role changes are anticipated for several players compared to the previous season.
Running back Woody Marks, who took on the lead role last year due to Joe Mixon's injury, is expected to shift to a change-of-pace position. With David Montgomery joining the team as the primary runner, Marks will focus on third-down situations, leveraging his explosiveness and receiving skills.
Wide receiver Jaylin Noel, who had a limited offensive impact last season while primarily contributing on special teams, is likely to see increased opportunities. Following Christian Kirk's departure and Jayden Higgins' season-ending injury, Noel is positioned for a more prominent role alongside Nico Collins, with expectations for a breakout season based on his offseason performance.
Jake Andrews, the starting center from last year, will also see a change as Evan Brown has been signed to take over that position. Andrews will now serve as a backup, but he remains on the 53-man roster, reflecting the team's trust in his abilities as a substitute center.
These changes are part of the Texans' strategy to improve their offensive performance as the new season approaches, although the effectiveness of these adjustments will be assessed during actual games.
