“No more rookies": Texans HC DeMeco Ryans gives clear verdict on Woody Marks, Jayden Higgins stealing the spotlight from vets

DeMeco Ryans no longer views his first-year contributors as developmental projects.

The Houston Texans coach highlighted the growth of running back Woody Marks and wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel on Thursday. He noted that each has taken on a heavier load as the team works to stay relevant in the AFC playoff picture.

"No more rookies," Ryans said, via "Houston Stressans." "Yeah. Like Woody's doing a great job. We gotta continue to feed him more. Higgins on the outside we got, everybody sees like, this guy's catch radius.

"It's insane. Like put the ball in his vicinity, he's gonna go and get it. You need a big play. Who shows up on fourth down is Jaylin Noel showing up when we needed it most to make that play. So these guys are, are not rookies. They're making plays in the, in the critical times of a game crunch time. We need it most. We're counting on the rookies."

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“No more rookies. Woody, like let’s go. We gotta continue to feed him more. Higgins, the guys catch radius is insane. You need a big play on 4th down, who shows up, it’s Jaylin Noel. Tae is doing a good job there at LT. The rookie name plate is off.” -DeMeco Ryans

His comments came four days after the Texans rallied to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 36-29.

Marks played a career-high 60 offensive snaps. He finished with 63 rushing yards on 14 carries, one touchdown and contributed several key touches on Houston’s decisive fourth-quarter series.

DeMeco Ryans says second-round pick Aireontae Ersery is also shedding rookie status

NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans - Source: Imagn

DeMeco Ryans also pointed to left tackle Aireontae Ersery as another first-year Texan who has taken a noticeable step. The second-round pick has shown consistency at the edge of the protection and has gradually handled tougher assignments as the offense evolves.

"(Aireontae Ersery) is doing a good job there at left, continuing to battle down in and down out," Ryans said on Thursday, via "Houston Stressans." "He's getting better as the season's gone on. The rookie name plate is off. It's like, let's go, and how can we finish the season the right way?"

Jayden Higgins delivered five catches for 42 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown against Jacksonville. Jaylin Noel helped extend the same drive with a crucial fourth-down grab and finished with four receptions for 35 yards.

Woody Marks remains part of the backfield rotation with Nick Chubb, although the balance shifted last week. Chubb posted 47 yards on five carries but saw fewer snaps, while Marks handled the bulk of the offensive workload.