Topic overview
Briefly
- David Montgomery was signed by the Houston Texans in 2026 to address their long-standing issues at running back.
- The Texans have not had a consistent leading rusher since Lamar Miller from 2016 to 2018, cycling through various players each season.
- Montgomery is seen as a potential solution to the Texans' running back struggles, but concerns remain about his ability to perform as the primary back.
What happened
In 2026, the Houston Texans signed running back David Montgomery to address their ongoing issues at the position. The franchise has struggled to find a consistent leading rusher, with no player leading in rushing yards for consecutive seasons since Lamar Miller from 2016 to 2018. Over the years, various players like Carlos Hyde, David Johnson, and Dameon Pierce have filled the role, but none have provided the stability the team needs. Montgomery, who previously played for the Detroit Lions, is seen as a significant upgrade over his predecessors. He has demonstrated his potential by achieving impressive statistics despite sharing carries with other players. In 2025, he recorded 716 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, ranking well among his peers in efficiency. However, questions remain about his ability to perform as the primary back without the support of a strong teammate like Jahmyr Gibbs. The Texans' management, led by general manager Nick Caserio, has been criticized for their approach of cycling through running backs without finding a long-term solution. Montgomery's arrival is viewed as a last-ditch effort to break this cycle and finally establish a reliable running game for the team. The Texans hope that Montgomery can stay healthy and thrive in a role that has been a source of disappointment for years, as they aim to improve their overall offensive performance.
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