During the fourth quarter, with Houston ahead 31-28, officials penalized Marks for tripping on a second-and-3 play from the Jaguars 46-yard line. Marks attempted to block Jaguars linebacker Ventrell Miller as he rushed, and Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was sacked on the play by Jourdan Lewis, though the sack was wiped out by the 15-yard penalty on Marks.
The tripping infraction is among the types fines are issued for by the NFL, leaving Marks on alert for potential further discipline. Texans cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram also drew a flag for unnecessary roughness on a separate play, though the specifics of his conduct were unclear. The penalties occurred during a Texans kick return, with Jaylin Noel fielding the ball and kneeling in the end zone, ultimately bringing the ball out to the Texans’ 35-yard line; the penalties did not change the game’s outcome.
Marks finished the day with 56 rushing yards on 15 carries, adding two receptions for 25 yards. He out-carried the Texans’ other running backs, though Jawhar Jordan gained 43 yards on six carries and had one reception for 7 yards. Marks’ 3.7 yards per carry were higher than the production of the injured starter, and head coach DeMeco Ryans praised the backfield’s performance.
“Whenever you get an opportunity, are you maximizing it? Jawhar did that today. And Woody made a huge play late to put us in field-goal range. Our backs did a phenomenal job,” Ryans said.
The Texans are clinging to life, having won back-to-back games after an 0-4 start to the season. They will look to keep the streak alive in Week 7 at home against the New York Giants. The Giants may be adjusting at quarterback, with Jameis Winston benched for J.J. McCarthy in Week 6, and intended starter Jaxson Dart out for the season, which means Houston could face a backup quarterback in some capacity.
For continued coverage, follow updates on the Texans and their progress as they push to turn the season around.
