David Montgomery, a veteran running back who spent three seasons with the Detroit Lions, has officially moved to the Houston Texans after a trade finalized earlier this week. The move comes as the Texans look to bolster a backfield that has been searching for a reliable lead option, and Montgomery arrives with a track record of goal‑line production.
A Fresh Start in Houston
Montgomery’s arrival coincides with a pivotal moment for the franchise. In 2023 he opened the season with 371 rushing yards, six touchdowns and five receptions for 47 yards over the first four games, establishing himself as a potent short‑yardage threat. He finished the year with 15 total touchdowns across 17 appearances and ranked 17th among running backs in PPR scoring.
The following season saw Montgomery earn RB1 snaps in four of his 15 games and average 13.71 fantasy points over his final ten outings. Despite a history of injuries that has occasionally kept him sidelined, the running back logged 158 carries for 716 yards and eight scores in 2025, adding 24 catches for 192 yards. His performance has kept fantasy owners optimistic about a rebound.
Goal‑Line Role and Rotation
Houston’s coaching staff has indicated that Montgomery will serve as the team’s primary goal‑line runner, while a committee approach will handle the bulk of early‑down work. This split is expected to give Montgomery a high volume of short‑yardage touches, especially near the end zone, where his size and power are most effective.
Analysts project Montgomery to receive roughly 225 total touches in 2026, translating into about 1,000 combined yards and a realistic chance at double‑digit touchdowns. The projection takes into account his injury history, which suggests he may miss a few games, but the upside remains strong enough to make him a mid‑tier RB1 in most fantasy formats.