Woody Marks might be a factor for the Houston Texans in the playoffs, but he won’t be making an impact on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
According to reports, Marks, who left early in Sunday’s contest against the Arizona Cardinals with an ankle injury, won’t play in Sunday’s contest against the Raiders. He is expected to play again this season, but Houston won’t risk losing him for the postseason against a 2-win Raiders roster with a health Jahwar Jordan and Nick Chubb back in the fold.
Marks, who had taken over as the top rusher following Week 11’s win over the Tennessee Titans, reinjured his ankle that had been a problem for several weeks during the second quarter over a blowout win against Arizona. With the rookie out, Houston turned to Jordan, who proceeded to have a career day with over 100 rushing yards, including three runs of 30-plus.
Following the win, Texans coach DeMeo Ryans said that Marks could have returned in the contest, but because of the play consistency of the team’s ground game gave them options, ensuring that rushing back Marks would be off the table.
With Chubb, who missed last week’s win over Arizona, back from a rib injury, expect Houston to trust its rushing attack with the young gun and proven veteran. Combined, the duo is averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
As for other names, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (ankle, knee) and All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (oblique) are both regarded as game-time decisions with solid chances to play. Entering the closing hours, Houston is still in a great position to have both defenders take the field en route to a third consecutive 10-win season.
This season in 14 games, Marks leads the Texans in rush attempts (167), yards (584) and yards per game (41.7). The rookie also leads all running backs in receptions, receiving yards (204) and receiving touchdowns (3).
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on CBS. With a win, the Texans would move to a 98 percent chance of clinching a playoff berth this upcoming weekend, according to the New York Times Playoff projector.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans vs. Raiders: RB Woody Marks ruled out late ahead of Week 16
