The Houston Texans are 1-4 and just traded for Marvin Harrison Jr. to give their offense a bit of a boost. With how the defense has been underperforming expectations, the offense could use all of the help it can get.

While there’s a lot of optimism for the passing game, the same cannot be said for this Houston ground game. David Montgomery, acquired over the offseason from the Detroit Lions, has been a huge disappointment.

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell believes that, with how badly Montgomery has struggled this season and with his groin injury, the Texans might have “no choice” but to bench him this season and hand the keys to the backfield over to Woody Marks.

Texans might have ‘no choice’ but to bench David Montgomery

“The Texans have been hesitant to turn the lead role over to Marks, but Montgomery’s struggles and the groin injury might leave them no choice,” Barnwell writes.

Obviously, benching Montgomery doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t see any usage in this offense. Even if Marks takes over as the starter for the rest of the season, Montgomery should still see some usage.

But brought in with the hopes of Montgomery being the team’s RB1 and the player to improve the running game, Montgomery has fallen well short of those expectations.

So far this season, Montgomery, in five games (one cut short due to injury), has 52 rushing attempts for just 138 yards and two touchdowns, good for a brutal 2.7 yards per carry.

MORE: Marvin Harrison Jr. vs. Marvin Harrison Sr. stats: How Hall of Fame dad’s slow start compares to son in Year 2

He also has seven receptions on seven targets for 67 yards and a touchdown. All three of his scores this season came in Week 1. Since Week 1, no matter how many touches he got, Montgomery failed to reach 50 total yards.

Marks hasn’t been significantly better or anything, but at 3.5 yards per carry with more consistent production, he’s someone poised to take over this backfield.

Barnwell believes that Montgomery has left the Texans with no choice but to bench him this season. He’s not likely to play in Week 6, and might be out Week 7 as he deals with a groin injury.

If Marks thrives in a full-time starter role, Montgomery might not see a lot of work the rest of the season, as he could be demoted to being the Texans’ RB2 behind Marks.

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