Houston Texans Depth Chart 2026: Updated Starters & Roster
Few things get NFL fans buzzing like a depth chart shake-up — and the Houston Texans’ running back room is the perfect example right now. According to NBC Sports (ProFootballTalk), the signing of David Montgomery on a deal worth $6 million in 2026 has effectively closed the door on Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb in Houston.
Current Starting QB: C.J. Stroud ·
Head Coach: DeMeco Ryans ·
2024 Regular Season Record: 10-7 ·
Expected RB1 (2026): David Montgomery
Quick snapshot
- David Montgomery signed a one-year deal paying $6 million in 2026 (NBC Sports)
- Nick Chubb rushed for 506 yards on 9 starts in 2025 (NBC Sports)
- Joe Mixon spent the entire 2025 season on the non-football injury list (NBC Sports)
- Woody Marks is expected as the primary backup (Bolavip)
- Whether Nick Chubb will be re-signed — he is currently a free agent (NBC Sports)
- Exact injury status of Joe Mixon and whether he will be released (NBC Sports)
- Braxton Berrios’ exact depth chart position among WRs (NBC Sports)
- March 2024: Texans acquire Joe Mixon via trade (NBC Sports)
- 2025: Nick Chubb signs as a free agent (NBC Sports)
- June 2026: David Montgomery signs one-year deal; Mixon and Chubb expected to depart (Bolavip) (NBC Sports)
- David Montgomery expected to lead the backfield as RB1 (Bolavip) (NBC Sports)
- Joe Mixon likely to be released; both Mixon and Chubb available to other teams (NBC Sports)
- Woody Marks expected primary backup (Bolavip) (NBC Sports)
Here is a summary of the Texans’ current roster information.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | DeMeco Ryans |
| Starting QB | C.J. Stroud |
| Starting RB (pre-injury, 2024) | Joe Mixon (NBC Sports) |
| Backup QB | Davis Mills |
| 2024 Record | 10-7 |
| Division | AFC South |
What is the depth chart for the Houston Texans?
Offense
- QB: C.J. Stroud, Davis Mills
- RB: David Montgomery (expected RB1), Woody Marks, Dare Ogunbowale
- WR: Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Braxton Berrios
- TE: Dalton Schultz
- OL: Laremy Tunsil, Shaq Mason
The backfield has undergone the most dramatic shift. David Montgomery, signed to a $6 million deal, is expected to take over as the lead runner, with rookie Woody Marks as the primary backup (Bolavip). Joe Mixon remains under contract but spent all of 2025 on the non-football injury list (NBC Sports). Nick Chubb, who rushed for 506 yards in nine starts last season, is a free agent and not expected back (NBC Sports).
Defense
- DL: Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter
- LB: Azeez Al-Shaair, Christian Harris
- DB: Derek Stingley Jr., Jalen Pitre
Special Teams
- K: Ka’imi Fairbairn
- P: Tommy Townsend
- KR/PR: Braxton Berrios
Bottom line: The Texans have completely overhauled their RB room. David Montgomery is the new RB1, Woody Marks the backup. Mixon and Chubb are all but gone. The rest of the depth chart remains stable from 2025.
Who is starting RB for Texans?
Current starter
David Montgomery is expected to be the starting running back for the Texans in 2026. According to Bolavip, the team is planning to make Montgomery the RB1, with Woody Marks as his primary backup. NBC Sports reports that Montgomery’s arrival “closes the door” on both Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb in Houston (NBC Sports).
Backup RBs
- Woody Marks (primary backup – Bolavip)
- Dare Ogunbowale (depth/fullback role)
- Cam Akers (practice squad candidate)
The implication: Montgomery is the workhorse, Marks is the change-of-pace. Mixon’s lingering injury and Chubb’s free-agent status mean neither is likely to see the field in a Texans uniform again.
Who is the backup QB for Texans?
Primary backup
Davis Mills is the primary backup quarterback behind C.J. Stroud. Mills has been with the team since 2021 and has started games in previous seasons.
Third string QB
Case Keenum, who served as a backup in 2024, is no longer on the roster. The third-string spot is likely vacant or filled by a practice squad arm.
What this means: Stroud’s health is critical. Mills has starting experience but the drop-off from Stroud is steep.
Will Nick Chubb be RB1?
Nick Chubb’s signing and departure
Nick Chubb signed with the Texans as a free agent in 2025 and started nine games, rushing for 506 yards (NBC Sports). Heading into 2025, Yardbarker projected Chubb as the RB1, but Mixon’s foot injury kept him on IR for the first four games.
Joe Mixon injury update
Mixon missed all of 2025 on the non-football injury list (NBC Sports). His status for 2026 is uncertain; the team is reportedly expected to release him (Bolavip).
Future of RB room
- David Montgomery is the clear RB1 for 2026 (Bolavip)
- Nick Chubb is a free agent and not expected to return (NBC Sports)
- Joe Mixon will likely be released (NBC Sports)
Texans fans who hoped for a Chubb-or-Mixon reunion will be disappointed. Montgomery, at $6 million, is the future. Chubb and Mixon are likely playing elsewhere in 2026.
The implication: The Texans are writing off the Mixon and Chubb experiments and resetting their backfield around a younger, healthier duo.
Is Braxton Berrios good?
Braxton Berrios stats
Berrios is primarily a slot receiver and return specialist. Over his career (Miami, New York Jets, Houston), he has averaged about 30 receptions per season with modest yardage and a few touchdowns. His value lies in special teams as a punt and kick returner.
Role in offense
With Nico Collins and Tank Dell locked in as outside starters, Berrios competes for the WR3/slot role. His speed and quickness fit offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s scheme, but he hasn’t proven he can be a consistent downfield threat.
Comparison with other WRs
- Nico Collins: WR1, 6’4″, 215 lbs – deep threat
- Tank Dell: WR2, 5’8″, 165 lbs – explosive slot/outside
- Braxton Berrios: 5’9″, 190 lbs – slot/returner, third down safety valve
The trade-off: Berrios offers reliability and special teams versatility but lacks the upside of younger receivers. He’s a depth piece, not a game-breaker.
Timeline
- March 2024: Joe Mixon acquired via trade from Bengals (NBC Sports)
- 2025: Nick Chubb signs one-year free agent deal (NBC Sports)
- 2025 season: Chubb starts 9 games, rushes for 506 yards; Mixon on NFI list (NBC Sports)
- June 2026: David Montgomery signs one-year, $6 million deal; Mixon and Chubb expected to depart (Bolavip)
What’s confirmed and what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- C.J. Stroud is the starting quarterback
- DeMeco Ryans remains head coach
- David Montgomery is expected to be RB1 (NBC Sports)
- Nick Chubb is a free agent (NBC Sports)
- Joe Mixon spent 2025 on NFI list (NBC Sports)
What’s unclear
- Whether Joe Mixon will be released or traded
- Nick Chubb’s next team
- Braxton Berrios’ exact depth chart position among WRs
- Long-term health of Mixon’s foot
The addition of Montgomery all but closes the book on Mixon and Chubb in Houston.
NBC Sports / ProFootballTalk
The Texans are expected to make David Montgomery their RB1, with Woody Marks as primary backup.
Chubb rushed for 506 yards in 15 games with nine starts for the Texans in 2025.
NBC Sports
For the Texans front office, the decision is clear: build around Montgomery and Marks, and move on from the Mixon-Chubb era. The 2026 running game now has a defined pecking order, but whether Montgomery can stay healthy and produce consistently remains the biggest question.
Frequently asked questions
How many players are on the Texans roster?
The NFL allows a 53-man roster during the regular season, plus a 16-man practice squad. The Texans typically carry the maximum.
What is the Texans practice squad?
The practice squad consists of up to 16 players who train with the team but are not on the active roster. They can be elevated for game days.
Who is the Texans kicker?
Ka’imi Fairbairn has been the Texans kicker since 2016 and is still on the roster for 2026.
What is the Texans offensive scheme?
Head coach DeMeco Ryans and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik run a wide-zone scheme that emphasizes play-action and stretch runs.
How long is Joe Mixon expected to be out?
Mixon spent all of 2025 on the non-football injury list. His 2026 status is uncertain; a release is considered likely (NBC Sports).
Who are the Texans starting wide receivers?
Nico Collins (WR1) and Tank Dell (WR2) are the clear starters. Braxton Berrios competes for the slot.
What is the Texans defensive scheme?
DeMeco Ryans runs a 4-3 base defense with cover-3 principles, similar to the scheme he used in San Francisco.
Who is the Texans long snapper?
Jon Weeks has been the Texans long snapper since 2010 and remains on the roster.
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