The Houston Texans face a significant uncertainty heading into Sunday’s clash with the Cleveland Browns, as running back Woody Marks was notably absent from the team’s most critical practice session. Marks, who practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, did not appear during the portion of Thursday’s workout open to the media. Team sources indicated he is dealing with a knee injury, a development that casts serious doubt on his availability for the upcoming game. In the NFL, players who miss Thursday’s full-contact practice rarely suit up on Sunday, making Marks’ status a major concern for head coach DeMeco Ryans.
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The potential loss of Marks would be a devastating blow to a Texans offensive line that is already underperforming. Houston’s rushing attack currently ranks 29th in the NFL in total yards per game, a statistic that highlights the team’s inability to establish a consistent ground game. Marks was coming off his best performance of the season, where he rushed for 70 yards in a 44-22 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. His absence would force Houston to rely on a backup group while trying to overcome a defensive front that has been a key component of their recent success.
Compounding the injury concerns, starting left guard Keylan Rutledge also missed Thursday’s practice due to a shoulder stinger. While Rutledge’s absence is less impactful on the immediate rushing threat than Marks’ potential no-show, it could disrupt the offensive line’s cohesion. With both key personnel missing the week’s most strenuous session, the Texans must now prepare for a scenario where their primary running back is unavailable. If Marks does not play, Houston’s offense will need to lean heavily on the passing game to keep pace with Cleveland, a strategy that may prove difficult against a disciplined Browns defense.
Source: Yahoo Sports
