Texans rule out David Montgomery for Sunday's game against the Chargers

David Montgomery will miss the Houston Texans' game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, coach DeMeco Ryans said Wednesday, according to the Houston Chronicle via RotoWire. Underdog NFL also listed the running back as ruled out for Week 9 with his groin injury.

What's confirmed. Ryans said Montgomery has made some progress but will stay out Sunday. He was not seen during the part of Wednesday's practice open to the media. Houston plays at the Chargers at 4:05 PM ET.

How we got here. Montgomery missed the Texans' last two games before their Week 8 bye. The extra week of rest was not enough to get him back on the field. Sunday will be his third straight missed game. The earliest he can return is Nov. 15, when Houston plays at Cleveland.

Who gets the work. Woody Marks has led the backfield with Montgomery out. In the Week 7 overtime loss to the New York Giants, Marks set a season high with 19 carries for 66 yards and added one catch for 15 yards. Expect him to lead the backfield again in Los Angeles.

What it means for RSO. An early-week ruling is useful because it removes the Sunday guessing game in a late window. Montgomery owners can bench him now and plan the rest of the lineup without waiting on Friday's report. Groin injuries that cost multiple weeks can drag on, so it is fair to lower his outlook for the next few weeks without treating it as a long-term problem.

What to do now. If Marks is on your waiver wire, he is worth a claim for anyone thin at running back, and Montgomery owners should consider him a direct cover. Keep Montgomery in a reserve or bench slot rather than cutting him, since Ryans described real progress.

What to watch next. Montgomery's practice participation next week is the signal for the Cleveland game. A limited session early in the week would point to a return. If he stays off the field, check whether Houston adds another back to the active roster behind Marks.