Texans Dealt Rough Injury Blow for Breakout Player

The Houston Texans entered training camp with high hopes for depth in their backfield, but a pair of early setbacks has created unexpected pressure behind veteran starter David Montgomery.

The latest concern involves third-year running back Jawhar Jordan, who has been sidelined with a hip flexor strain.

Jordan, a sixth-round selection from the 2024 draft, had been turning heads this summer. After a quiet start to his NFL career, he flashed late in the 2025 season with a breakout performance that included more than 100 rushing yards in his first significant action.

This camp, observers noted his shifty running style and ability to fit the scheme the Texans prefer. One local radio voice even called him the player generating the biggest early buzz.

That momentum hit a pause on Saturday when reports confirmed the hip issue. Sources indicated the team hopes Jordan can return in about a week, though hip flexor strains sometimes linger longer than expected. The timing is inconvenient.

Backup British Brooks is already expected to miss roughly three weeks with a broken hand, removing a versatile contributor who also handles fullback and special teams duties.

That leaves Montgomery and 2025 fourth-round pick Woody Marks as the primary healthy options at the moment. Jordan has compiled 43 carries for 193 yards in his career to date, along with a handful of receptions, and appeared poised to contribute more regularly this season.

The Texans moved quickly to add former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Owen Wright in response to the thinning depth.

While a one-week absence would be manageable, the Texans must carefully manage their remaining backs through the rest of camp and the preseason.

Montgomery remains the clear lead option, but any additional wear or further injuries could force the coaching staff to lean more heavily on Marks or the newly signed Wright earlier than planned.

Jordan’s early camp form suggested he could carve out a meaningful role. For now, the priority is recovery. Fans and coaches alike will be watching closely to see whether the hip flexor heals on the hoped-for timeline or proves more stubborn.

In a competitive AFC, every available body matters, and the Texans are already feeling the early squeeze in one of the more important position groups on the roster.