Tank Dell has not played in a game since December 2024, and the Houston Texans have not had much to enjoy during a 0-4 start. Both of those things got a little better Monday. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said the club expects to open Dell’s 21-day practice window this week, along with those of offensive tackle Braden Smith and rookie defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.
Once Dell takes part in a practice, Houston has three weeks to add him to the active roster or shut him down for the season. He does not have to play right away for this to matter. It is the closest the receiver has been to a game in nearly two years.
What Tank Dell has been through since December 2024
Dell went down against the Kansas City Chiefs late in the 2024 season with a severe knee injury. He dislocated his kneecap and tore his ACL, with damage to the MCL, LCL and meniscus as well. He missed all of 2025, then took part in several training camp practices this summer before a minor setback slowed him again.
Before the injury, the 2023 third-round pick had 98 catches for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns in 25 games. Seven of those touchdowns came in 11 games as a rookie, when he and C.J. Stroud arrived in Houston together.
Where Dell fits in the Texans’ passing game
The passing game was the best thing about the 34-30 loss to Dallas. Stroud completed 21 of 31 passes for 347 yards and two touchdown passes without an interception, and his 92.1 offensive grade led the team, according to PFF. He has 1,141 passing yards and five touchdown passes through four games and has not thrown an interception. Nico Collins returned from a hamstring injury that cost him two games and caught seven passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns.
Collins did that on 38 of 55 offensive snaps, and the rotation behind him is still being sorted out. Jaylin Noel and Kayshon Boutte played 34 snaps each, Xavier Hutchinson played 17 and Jared Wayne played 16, according to PFF. Noel turned three catches into 85 yards and Hutchinson added 46. Dell would add a receiver who has already produced with this quarterback.
None of it changes Sunday’s trip to Tennessee. Dell still has to get through practices, and general manager Nick Caserio has said he is working to get back to his top speed. For a team off to its worst four-game start since 2020, seeing Dell back on the practice field is a welcome change.
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