DavidMontgomery

News: 3 days agoMontgomery caught an 80-yard touchdown on a wheel route in Tuesday's practice, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports.

Spin: It was the biggest play of training camp to date, according to Bien-Aime, and it's further proof that the Texans are serious about getting Montgomery involved in the passing game after he was used more as the thunder to Jahmyr Gibbs' lightning in Detroit. Montgomery has shown in the past that he's more than capable of making plays as a receiver, catching 54 passes in 2020 with the Bears and secured 36 of 38 targets for 341 yards in 2024 with the Lions. While Woody Marks will have some role on passing downs, Montgomery is expected to open the season as the clear RB1 in Houston.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Montgomery was traded to Houston after spending his first seven NFL seasons with Chicago and Detroit. The veteran back is coming off a down year in 2025, when he posted career lows in touches (182), yardage (908, his first season under 1,000) and fantasy points per game (9.8). Montgomery was still effective as a rusher (4.53 yards per carry, 2.28 yards after contact) but lost work to Jahmyr Gibbs and wasn't involved much as receiver. The latter doesn't figure to change much in Houston, and while Montgomery is a decent bet to pace the team in carries, second-year back Woody Marks figures to sustain a substantial offensive role. Montgomery enters his age-29 season as a touchdown-dependent flex with limited upside.