The Houston Texans prepare for their Week 14 Sunday Night Football showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs following their hard-fought victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Woody Marks exited briefly in the first quarter with a foot injury before returning to finish the game. Will fantasy football managers have their rookie running back available for this difficult matchup?
Check out the FREE Start/Sit Optimizer from PFSN to ensure you are making the right decisions for your fantasy lineup every week!
Woody Marks Injury Update
Marks sustained a foot injury during the first quarter of the Week 13 contest against Indianapolis. Houston listed him as questionable to return, and he spent time in the locker room for evaluation.​
The injury did not keep Marks sidelined for long. He returned to action and played the remainder of the contest. Marks finished with 19 carries for 64 yards while adding one reception for three five yards in the 20-16 victory.​
After the game, Marks downplayed the severity of the foot issue. The fact that he was able to return and handle a full workload suggests the injury is not serious.
Marks did not practice on Wednesday. As a reminder, Wednesday practice absences are largely meaningless for veteran players and those managing minor injuries. It makes sense for the coaching staff to give Marks the day off after he carried the ball 19 times just four days earlier. The Texans are being cautious with their rookie back, allowing extra recovery time before ramping up his workload later in the week.​​
With that said, Marks is clearly less than 100% healthy. But the encouraging sign is his ability to finish the Week 13 game after the injury occurred. As long as he returns to limited practice participation on Thursday, that will put him on track to play Sunday night against Kansas City.​
Marks’ Fantasy Outlook
This represents a difficult Week 14 matchup regardless of Marks’ health status. The Chiefs allow the fifth-fewest schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to running backs this season. Kansas City’s defense ranks ninth overall in the league and has been particularly stingy against the run.​
If Marks cannot play, Nick Chubb will handle lead back duties with Dare Ogunbowale serving as the passing down specialist. Chubb has been a shell of his former self this season and lost the starting job to Marks for good reason. Fantasy managers should not consider Chubb a viable starting option even if he receives increased volume.​
RELATED: Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
Chubb opened the year as Houston’s primary back while Joe Mixon remained on the reserve/non-football injury list. The veteran struggled with efficiency throughout his opportunities, failing to establish himself as a dependable option. Marks surpassed Chubb on the depth chart and has led the team in rushing yards for five of the past six weeks.​
Even if Marks plays Sunday night, he profiles as a suspect flex option given the matchup. The Chiefs’ stout run defense combined with Marks’ questionable health status creates significant risk for fantasy managers. Houston will likely need to rely more heavily on their passing attack to keep pace with Kansas City’s high-powered offense.​
Fantasy managers should monitor Thursday’s practice report closely. Limited participation would indicate Marks is progressing toward playing, while another absence would raise legitimate concerns about his Week 14 availability. Friday’s practice status will provide additional clarity on his outlook for Sunday’s primetime matchup.​