After the win, coach DeMeco Ryans said the team still was evaluating Montgomery’s groin, but added he “may miss some time.”

The 29-year-old didn’t have an injury designation heading into Sunday’s game and started in the Texans’ backfield, but he got just five carries before he was taken out early in the second quarter. He was ruled out for the rest of the day with a groin injury in the third quarter, finishing with 11 yards.

The Texans traded offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, a fourth-round pick and a seventh-round pick to the Detroit Lions in March in exchange for Montgomery, who was expected to bring a much-needed running game to Houston.

Aside from a two-touchdown day in the season-opening loss to the Buffalo Bills, it’s been a struggle so far for Montgomery. Since rushing for 60 yards on 20 carries in that loss to the Bills, Montgomery has mustered just 78 yards on 32 carries and hasn’t found the end zone since Week 1.

In Montgomery’s absence, Woody Marks carried the load against the Titans. The second-year pro out of USC finished with 63 yards on 15 carries, as well as 22 receiving yards on four catches. That’s the most rushing yards by a Texans running back this season.

As a team, the Texans rushed for 80 yards on 26 attempts. They would have eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the first time since the season-opener but a pair of holding calls wiped out Marks’ 24-yard touchdown run and a nice nine-yard scamper from him as well.

“The O line did a really nice job,” Ryans said. “I know the stats probably don’t show it, but I thought the running game did really well today.”

Aside from the Montgomery injury, the Texans also saw nickel corner Jalen Pitre exit in the fourth quarter after he landed hard on his shoulder.

“We’re still looking at his shoulder to see how significant that injury may be,” Ryans said.

Tank Dell, who hasn’t played in a game since suffering a serious knee injury in December 2024, returned to practice last week, but didn’t suit up against the Titans, but his return could be imminent.

“We’re happy to see Tank back out on the field practicing,” Ryans said Sunday. “So, we’ll see how his week continues to progress. I know I’m eager and hopeful for Tank to get back out in game action.”

Matt Young reported from Houston.