Texans wide receiver Tank Dell has not played in a game since Dec. 21, 2024, but a return may finally be in sight. The team expects to open Dell’s 21-day practice window this week, head coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday (via Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle). Houston already designated Dell to return when it placed him on IR in late August.
As a 2023 third-round pick, Dell joined the Texans as part of a franchise-altering draft class that includes first-round quarterback C.J. Stroud (No. 2 overall) and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (No. 3). Dell quickly emerged as a solid target for Stroud during a 47-catch, 709-yard, seven-touchdown rookie campaign. He followed that up with 51 receptions, 667 yards and three scores in 2024, but a gruesome knee injury in a Week 16 loss to the Chiefs knocked his career off course.
Since suffering ACL, MCL, LCL tears and a dislocation, Dell has missed 27 straight games (including playoffs). That total figures to continue increasing for a little while longer, though Week 9 might be a logical target for a return to game action. The Texans have a bye in Week 8, which would give the 5-foot-10, 165-pounder extra time to practice if they don’t activate him before then.
Unfortunately for Houston, the team may be a fringe playoff contender at best by the time Dell is ready to come back. The Texans entered 2026 off three straight playoff berths and continue to look formidable on paper, but they are off to a shocking 0-4 start. Injuries to Dell and other receivers have contributed to their struggles. Top wideout Nico Collins missed Weeks 2 and 3 with a hamstring strain, and Jayden Higgins went down with a season-ending ACL tear in August.
While the Texans rattled off a 12-2 finish to overcome an 0-3 start last year, history is stacked against teams in their current situation. The 1992 Chargers are the only club to ever claw back from 0-4 to reach the playoffs. Even if a nearly unprecedented rally isn’t in the cards for the Texans, Dell could boost his stock if he returns and performs well. The soon-to-be 27-year-old is on track to become a free agent in the offseason.
Along with Dell, the Texans plan to open practice windows for defensive tackle Kayden McDonald and right tackle **Braden Smith,**per Alexander. McDonald, a rookie second-rounder (No. 36), has been on IR with an ankle injury all season. Smith, a former Colt who signed a two-year, $20MM deal with the Texans in free agency, went on IR in early September after undergoing neck surgery.