Tank Dell, Houston Texans
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Tank Dell #3 of the Houston Texans looks on against the Los Angeles Chargers during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs.
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell suffered a significant knee injury with multiple torn ligaments last season, and he remains on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list as he works his way back.
To that end, Dell’s appearance on the practice field for the Texans on Tuesday certainly drew plenty of attention.
There is still a long way to go, but it was the most encouraging sign yet from the young wideout.
Tank Dell Returns to Practice for Texans
Tank Dell, Houston Texans
GettyTank Dell #3 of the Houston Texans looks on against the Chicago Bears.
Dell has been sidelined since suffering his injury in the Texans’ Week 16 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024. Dell “attends many practices,” per SportsTalk 790’s Adam Wexler, who posted video of the session.
Wexler said Dell “never practices,” though, adding to the significance of Tuesday’s appearance.
“Tank Dell is spot catching for the QBs for the first observed time this season,” the Houston Chronicle’s Sam Warren posted on X, along with his video of the pass catcher.
Dell joined C.J. Stroud on the practice field, as the latter joined a session for the Texans for the first time since Week 9. The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander noted on X that the duo was working together “just like old times.”
It may still be some time before they get to do that in a game.
Nevertheless, both players appear to have taken significant steps in their respective efforts to return to the field.
Stroud is expected to return at some point from his concussion. Dell entered the season expected to take most, if not all, of the campaign to recover. Again, that makes his presence on the practice field – with Stroud – that much more significant.
Dell recorded 667 yards and 3 touchdowns on 51 receptions in 2024.
The Texans have missed his downfield presence, especially earlier in the season. They leaned on rookie fifth-round selection Jaylin Noel to fill the void.
Adding Dell back into the mix would unlock another dimension of an offense that ranks 21st in scoring and 19th overall entering Week 12. The Texans are 16th in the passing game and 22nd in net yards per attempt.
Dell’s potential return could at least boost the latter two ranks, which should help the others.
Tank Tell Draws Attention With Joe Mixon
Tank Dell, Houston Texans
GettyTank Dell #3 of the Houston Texans looks on from the sideline during a game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Houston Cougars.
Dell made waves last week, though it was more by association, as the former third-round pick was spotted with Texans teammate Joe Mixon. Mixon has been elusive for the wrong reasons this season, stuck on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list with an undisclosed foot issue.
However, Mixon was spotted attending a private event with Dell last week.
“A rare Joe Mixon sighting,” Texans reporter Chancellor Johnson posted on X on November 13. “He recently attended a private event with Tank Dell.”
Like Dell, Mixon remains without a timeline for his return to the field. There has also been little from the Texans regarding either player’s status. Texans general manager Nick Caserio took an “out until he’s not” approach with Mixon.
That is how they view all players on the reserve lists, which also includes, among others, veteran safety Jimmie Ward and rookie draft pick and cornerback Jaylin Smith.