Tank Dell Returns to Texans Practice After Missing 2025 Season With Knee Injury

Wideout Tank Dell participated in limited drills Wednesday, marking his first team practice since suffering multiple torn ligaments in December 2024.

HOUSTON -- Wide receiver Tank Dell returned to the Houston Texans’ practice field on Wednesday for the first time since December 2024. The 2023 third-round pick participated in a limited capacity, engaging in individual drills and running full-speed routes during the morning session. During these periods, Dell caught several passes from quarterback C.J. Stroud, though he did not participate in 11-on-11 contact repetitions. This appearance follows a complete absence during the 2025 season due to a severe knee injury sustained in Week 16 of the 2024 campaign.

Dell’s 2024 season ended during a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs when wideout Jared Wayne collided with his knee on a touchdown reception from Stroud. The impact resulted in a dislocated kneecap and multiple torn ligaments. Shortly after the incident, the receiver underwent surgery to repair damaged ligaments, followed by a second procedure in March 2025 specifically to address a torn ACL. Across 25 career games, the wideout has accumulated 1,376 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

DeMeco Ryans Outlines Recovery Strategy

Head coach DeMeco Ryans emphasized that the organization is following a specific progression to ensure the receiver is ready for team drills. "Tank is on the right plan," Ryans stated, noting that the team is moving him slowly toward contact reps. The coach explained that there is no rigid timeline for Dell’s full integration, as the workload will be dictated by how the player feels physically. Ryans added that the priority is maintaining the athlete's confidence as he steps back into competitive environments. The medical staff is monitoring his lateral movement and explosive starts to gauge the stability of the joint during high-velocity maneuvers.

History of Significant Injuries

The knee injury is the latest in a series of physical setbacks for the Houston playmaker. His 2023 rookie season was truncated in early December during a game against the Denver Broncos, where he suffered a broken leg. Additionally, in late April 2024, Dell was involved in a shooting at an event in Sanford, Florida. Authorities reported that a teenage gunman wounded 10 people during an altercation; Dell was hospitalized with minor wounds following the incident. These various incidents have limited the receiver to just 25 active appearances out of a possible 51 games since he entered the league as a third-round selection.

Statistical Impact and Career Totals

Despite the time missed, Dell remains a key component of the Houston offense when healthy. His career statistics include 10 total touchdowns and an average of 55 receiving yards per game over his active appearances. The team continues to monitor his status daily to determine when he can move beyond individual drills. Wednesday's session concluded for Dell after his route-running portion, as the staff remains committed to a cautious approach to avoid further complications with his surgically repaired knee. During his last full season of play, he averaged 14.7 yards per reception, establishing himself as a primary deep threat for the AFC South franchise.

Roster Implications and Future Outlook

The return of the 165-pound receiver provides a significant boost to a depth chart that relied heavily on veteran acquisitions during his absence. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik noted that having the speedster back in the lineup allows for more creative personnel groupings. While the wideout did not take hits during the Wednesday session, his ability to cut at full speed suggests the rehabilitation process has reached its final stages. The Texans have not yet placed him on the active roster, keeping him on the physically unable to perform list until he clears a full contact evaluation. This strategic patience aims to preserve his longevity for the upcoming 17-game schedule. Management is looking for the receiver to replicate his 2023 production, where he notched seven scores in just 11 games before the initial leg fracture occurred. The training staff will evaluate his soreness levels on Thursday morning before deciding his participation level for the remainder of the week's scheduled activities.