Houston Texans starting running back and big-time playmaker Joe Mixon is expected to miss time. He probably won’t be ready to start the season. That could open the door for former USC Trojan Woody Marks to get more touches than expected. Backup running back Nick Chubb is expected to pick up the slack in Joe Mixon’s absence, but there is no guarantee it will stay that way.

Woody Marks has all the traits of a three-down running back. Last season at USC, Marks had an impressive 1133 yards rushing and 5.7 yards per carry with 9 touchdowns. Woody Marks is a dangerous threat in the passing game; he could become a good weapon for CJ Stroud out the backfield as Mixon gets healthy.

Advertisement

Texans Wire writer Cole Thompson analyzed the current situation with Joe Mixon’s health while providing Ian Rapoport’s assessment on the situation in a recent feature.

“The news surrounding Houston Texans Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon has gone from bad to worse as the first week of training camp ends. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Mixon, who was placed on the non-football injury list at the start of camp, is expected to be out for an extended period with a lingering foot injury. The Pro Bowler coming off his first 1,000-yard season with the AFC South champions is expected to be reevaluated closer to the season to determine his availability.

“What does this mean for the Texans’ future? Right now, nothing. Mixon, who inked a three-year, $27 million extension last offseason, likely would have been limited in drills for the majority of training camp. He wasn’t expected to play in most preseason games either, as most of the starters see a majority of their reps during team drills in joint practices.”

With preseason coming up and more reps to go around, Woody Marks will get an opportunity to display his skill set to his coaching staff and show why he should be trusted in the absence of Joe Mixon. The opportunity will be there for Marks to earn trust and get some carries in Week 1 versus the Chargers.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Joe Mixon injury opens door to more carries for USC’s Woody Marks