The NFL season is nearing its end. As happens every year, injuries are rearing their ugly heads. As fantasy football managers prepare to set Week 16 lineups, it’s important to stay informed on the latest injury news. Woody Marks missed some practice time this week due to injury. What is his current status and outlook for this week?
Is Woody Marks Playing Week 16?
Marks departed last week’s game against Arizona with an ankle injury. He did not return to the contest after exiting. This was unfortunate for fantasy managers who had to watch Jawhar Jordan pop off for 118 yards on 17 touches.​
There was good news immediately after the game, though. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said Marks could have returned to the game. With the outcome not in doubt, the Texans exercised caution with their lead running back.​
The decision to keep Marks on the sideline seemed precautionary rather than due to the severity of the ankle issue. On Monday, Ryans described Marks as day-to-day. It sounded as if Marks avoided anything serious.​
However, Marks did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. The consecutive missed practices raised some concern about his availability heading into the weekend. He got in a limited session on Friday and drew a questionable tag.​
Despite Ryans’ comments after the game, Marks’ practice participation sequence suggests he is not exactly 100%. Players dealing with minor ankle injuries often follow a limited progression throughout the week, but missing the first two practices entirely is not ideal. Marks’ status is genuinely up in the air.​
If Marks cannot play, Nick Chubb and Jawhar Jordan would split work in this backfield. That is, of course, if Chubb can suit up, as he is questionable as well due to a rib injury that cost him last week’s game.
Jordan demonstrated his ability to handle a significant workload last week. The second-year back impressed and would be a viable option if Marks is unable to go. The Texans will make a final determination on Marks’ availability 90 minutes before kickoff.​
Marks’ Fantasy Football Outlook
Week 15 was a rollercoaster ride if you played Marks.
First, we got word that Nick Chubb (ribs) was inactive, leaving the rookie in a position to soak up all the work he could handle in a plus matchup with the Cardinals.
We then saw the Texans hit on a bomb to Nico Collins and force a turnover. This game was 10-0 before Arizona knew what hit them, putting Marks in a great spot to benefit from game script.
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He wasn’t overly impressive early (seven carries for 30 yards), but at least he was getting work. Houston got to the goal line and that’s when things got weird.
It looked like the play was a designed RB dive after Marks had already failed once to score, but the snap never got off the ground. It went cleanly through the legs of CJ Stroud and Marks had the presence of mind to scoop and score.
It was a heads up play, but also one that carried some weird scoring mechanics that impacted different leagues differently. Because he picked up a live ball, it was ruled a fumble recovery TD and not a rushing touchdown.
Most leagues rewarded you all the same and it’s a good thing. Shortly thereafter, Marks rolled his ankle and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
All reporting this week suggests that the injury isn’t a serious one and that he’s expected to play in Week 16. Jawhar Jordan was the back getting work in his absence and he’s worth a look for roster depth. Marks is the RB this team wants leading them, but it is far to question if they lighten his workload some this week to ensure that he’s recovered.
I’m starting him where I have him. The Raiders are the fifth worst rush defense by success rate and while I’d prefer to see more of a role in the passing game, a 14-17 carry game should be more than enough to land him inside the top 20 at the position this week.
— Kyle Soppe, PFSN Fantasy Analyst
