Fantasy Football News

Texans insider Aaron Wilson believes the team is building a "smash mouth" offense "built around bell cow RB David Montgomery." Wilson notes that Houston's running game last year, led by RB Woody Marks, wasn't good enough. The team responded by trading for Montgomery and then giving him a two-year, $16.5 million deal. But just how big a role will Montgomery play this season?

Texans WR Jayden Higgins is drawing praise from his coaches and Houston media for his work this offseason. HC Demeco Ryans said recently that Higgins is "going to have a great year." Insider Aaron Wilson, meanwhile, called Higgins a "standout" in spring practices. He's "lined up at multiple spots and shown upgraded timing and chemistry with [QB C.J.] Stroud. Higgins is noticeably more muscular and explosive, too," Wilson added.

The Texans selected Michigan TE Marlin Klein with the 59th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Klein grew up in Germany playing soccer before moving to the United States in high school to pursue football. A three-star recruit, he landed at Michigan as a raw prospect. He replaced Colston Loveland in 2025, but injuries limited him to a 24-248-1 receiving line. Even so, he ranks among the best athletes in the class. Among the 27 TEs invited to the NFL Combine, Klein ranked fourth in 2025 average depth of target (8.6), and 17th in team market share of receiving yards (13.4%). He ranked 18th in 2025 receiving yards per team pass attempt (1.01) and 12th in yards per route run (1.53).

Texans GM Nick Caserio chose his words carefully when responding to a question about WR Tank Dell's availability for the start of training camp. Dell is working his way back from ACL, MCL, LCL, and meniscus injuries suffered in December 2024. "With Tank, honestly, it’s probably a day to day, and we’ll kinda see where he is," Caserio said. "Probably have a better idea as we get through the spring, of what his availability is gonna be in training camp. He’s been here pretty religiously since he’s been able to do more, as he’s kinda gotten out of the rehab stage."

The Texans have picked up the fifth-year club option on QB C.J. Stroud, keeping him signed through the 2027 season, per beat writer Aaron Wilson. Stroud will now make $25.9 million fully guaranteed in 2027. Houston also picked up the fifth-year option on DE Will Anderson, who was selected immediately after Stroud in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Lions are trading RB David Montgomery to the Texans. According to NFL Network, Houston's sending fourth-round 2026 pick, a seventh-rounder in 2027, and OL Juice Scruggs to Detroit. Montgomery spent the past three years with the Lions after signing as a free agent. He remains under contract through 2027.

Texans WR Tank Dell is expected to be ready for the offseason program, GM Nick Caserio said Wednesday. Dell missed the entire 2025 season after damaging the ACL, MCL, LCL, and meniscus in his left knee in December 2024. He needed at least two surgeries. Caserio admitted that the team still doesn't know how Dell will fare coming off such a significant injury. "Have a better idea when you get on field what that actually looks like," Caserio said. "Knowing Tank, cautiously optimistic he can be Tank Dell." There simply aren't many instances of a player returning from an injury like this, so Dell is an impossible projection at this point of the offseason. He's no better than a late-round flier in early best-ball drafts -- but we'll certainly keep a close eye on his status throughout the offseason. Dell at least has age on his side at just 26.

Texans WR Nico Collins (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's Divisional Round game vs. the Patriots. He didn't practice all week. Collins would be likely -- but not a lock -- to play next weekend if Houston wins in New England. Jayden Higgins, Christian Kirk, and Xavier Hutchinson project as the Texans' top three WRs on Sunday.

Texans WR Nico Collins (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday. He's unlikely to clear protocol in time for Sunday's Divisional Round game vs. the Patriots, but we'll keep tabs on his progress. Collins' absence would leave Jayden Higgins, Christian Kirk, and Xavier Hutchinson as Houston's top three WRs. Patriots No. 1 CB Christian Gonzalez is also in concussion protocol but got in a limited practice on Wednesday.

Texans WR Nico Collins sustained a concussion in Monday night's Wild Card win over the Steelers. He had trouble getting off the field and was carted back to the locker room. It's Collins' first documented concussion, but it'll be a challenge for him to clear protocol before Sunday's game vs. the Patriots. We'll keep you updated on his progress. Houston got an out-of-nowhere 144-yard game from WR Christian Kirk in Pittsburgh. He'll be joined by Jayden Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson as the Texans' top three WRs if Collins is out this weekend. TE Dalton Schultz would also be a candidate for more work.

Texans RB Jawhar Jordan (ankle) missed his second straight practice on Friday, casting doubt on his availability for Monday night's Wild Card game vs. the Steelers. Jordan has emerged as Houston's No. 2 RB. His absence would be a slight boost to RB Woody Marks' projection. We'll see how Jordan is listed on Saturday's final injury report.

Lions GM Brad Holmes admitted Thursday that the team will consider trading RB David Montgomery this offseason. Montgomery has two years left on his current contract, with cap hits of $8.4 million in 2026 and $10.2 in 2027.

NFL Network's Jane Slater reports that the Texans don't plan to play WR Nico Collins in today's finale against the Colts.

Texans RB Woody Marks returned Saturday after missing Week 16 with an ankle injury that also knocked him out of the previous game early. He handled 19 of 28 RB carries in the win over the Chargers, taking them for 71 yards (3.7 per rush). Marks also ran all 16 backfield pass routes and drew the only two RB targets. He caught one for 4 yards.

Lions RB David Montgomery (illness) is active for today's game vs. the Vikings. He was sidelined on Tuesday but returned to a limited practice on Wednesday. Montgomery should be ready for his usual role in this one. He's a TD-dependent fantasy start.

Texans RB Woody Marks (ankle) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. He's on track to return for Saturday's game vs. the Chargers. Marks should take back over as lead back. But don't be surprised if Houston eases off his volume a bit considering how banged up the rookie has been lately.

Lions RB David Montgomery (illness) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game vs. the Vikings. He was sidelined on Tuesday but returned to a limited practice on Wednesday. Montgomery should be fine for the Christmas game, but we'll get Detroit's inactives around 3 pm ET tomorrow.

Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair is inactive for today's game against the Raiders, with ankle and knee injuries. That should position Henry To'oTo'o as Houston's lead LB, with E.J. Speed likely running No. 2. CB Derek Stingley Jr. is active after entering the day questionable with an oblique injury.

Texans RB Woody Marks (ankle) is inactive for today’s game vs. the Raiders. RB Nick Chubb (ribs) is active after missing Week 15. He’s joined by Jawhar Jordan and Dare Ogunbowale in this backfield. See where those guys land in the updated Week 16 RB rankings.

Texans RB Woody Marks is expected to be inactive for today's game against the Raiders, according to multiple reports. He has been dealing with an ankle injury that limited him to only Friday's practice and officially left him questionable.