HOUSTON -- Days before hosting the Los Angeles Chargers in their preseason opener, the Houston Texans transformed practice at NRG Stadium into a dress rehearsal as they ran through a game-day simulation, knowing most starters wouldn’t play in the exhibition.
So during a competitive back-and-forth for the starters, quarterback C.J. Stroud surveyed Houston’s stifling defense, searching for the crack that could finally spring the offense loose.
Then, running back David Montgomery caught a floating pass from Stroud down the sideline and burst untouched into the end zone for an 80-yard touchdown. A sea of teammates flooded the field behind him as their celebration echoed through the otherwise empty stadium.
The reception offered a glimpse of what Montgomery plans to deliver on game day: being an all-around back.
“[Texans offensive coordinator] Nick Caley let me know that I will be able to showcase [my dual-threat ability] because I know I can do it,” Montgomery told ESPN. “So, I’m excited.”
When Houston acquired Montgomery from the Detroit Lions in March for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, a 2026 fourth-round draft pick and a 2027 seventh-rounder, it was to be a lead back.
But Montgomery wants to shed the label of being only a physical back while he’s the lead back for Houston. That includes showing his multidimensional ability to run downhill, outside the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield. He scoffed at the notion of being solely a physical back, confirming his attempt to distance himself from the label.
“I can do everything,” Montgomery told ESPN. “I try not to categorize myself.”
During Montgomery’s three years with the Lions, he had a running mate in All-Pro Jahmyr Gibbs as they sported the nickname “Sonic and Knuckles” after 1990s video game characters that ran together. But in Houston, Montgomery is expected to be the star of the show -- even though running back Woody Marks has received rave reviews.
In terms of doing it all, Montgomery has been effective running outside the numbers. Since his rookie season with the Chicago Bears in 2019, he has averaged 4.6 yards running outside zone, and that’s in multiple schemes for different teams. While running inside, he averaged 4.1 yards. He has 1,890 receiving yards with four touchdowns, and he believes that he has more to offer as a receiver.
Through the first offseason with Montgomery, Caley has been pleased with the new addition to the backfield. Montgomery had 2,506 rushing yards (17th) and 33 touchdowns (eighth) in the past three seasons with the Lions. The Texans are hoping he can bring that production to an offense that ranked 22nd in rushing yards per game (108) last season.
“He’s all business,” Caley said. “He’s a really, really good player. He’s grounded as a runner, but he’s a very good pass-game player, and he’s tough as nails in protection. Those guys have really fed off each other and just really pushed the needle and helped each other improve. I’m excited about them.”
A team with Super Bowl hopes wants to take pressure off Stroud. Relying on Montgomery and a physical run game that matches coach DeMeco Ryans’ identity should help the offense become more effective.
But don’t be fooled, Ryans loves seeing Montgomery show some finesse to his game, just as he did on that 80-yard score last week.
“It was a huge play. A huge momentum boost for our offense,” Ryans said. “What David has done a really good job of is route running. Him and linebacker [Henry To’oTo’o] have had a lot of battles thus far in camp. It was cool to see David make a big play for us.
“That’s the type of player he is. That’s why he’s here for us. He can spark an offense. He can lift us with just making those plays, or it’s just by him being a leader, being vocal and encouraging the other guys.”
