Marks rushed seven times for 40 yards and brought in his only target for no gain in the Texans' 20-3 preseason win over the Panthers on Saturday afternoon.

EDGE Analysis

Marks entered the game after starter Nick Chubb and finished as the team leader in rushing yards on the afternoon. The rookie fourth-round pick started off hot by gaining 19 rushing yards on his first two carries, and he put together a strong effort overall in his quest to solidify a meaningful spot in the backfield pecking order come the regular season. Joe Mixon (ankle/foot) remains on the NFI list with no definitive return timeline, so Marks could certainly be looking at a No. 3 spot at minimum to open the 2025 campaign.

Marks carried the ball three times for four yards and added 26 yards on one kickoff return in Saturday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Vikings.

EDGE Analysis

Even with Joe Mixon (foot/ankle) out of commission and both Nick Chubb (head) and Dameon Pierce sitting out the Texans' exhibition opener, it was veteran special teams ace Dare Ogunbowale who got the start in the backfield. Marks, a 2025 fourth-round pick out of USC, was the second back into the game for Houston, but he didn't see many touches before giving way to Jawhar Jordan. Given the draft capital used to acquire Marks -- the Texans burned a 2026 third-round pick to move up and get him -- his spot on the roster should be secure, but it's not clear if he'll have much of a role in the offense to begin his rookie campaign.