The Houston Texans have received positive news regarding the recovery of wide receiver Tank Dell, who is currently on Reserve/Injured with a designation to return. General Manager Nick Caserio indicated that while Dell is making progress from a significant knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, the team is not rushing his return.
Dell must miss at least the first four regular-season games, and Caserio emphasized that the team will not consider him ready until he can regain his high-end speed.
Dell suffered a dislocated kneecap and extensive ligament damage, including tears to his ACL, MCL, and LCL, during a game against Kansas City in December 2024. This injury has required an extensive rehabilitation process, and Caserio noted that while Dell has shown improvement in his quickness and route-running ability, he still needs to rebuild his capacity for sustained high-speed running.
Before his injury, Dell had established himself as a key offensive player for the Texans, catching 98 passes for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns in his first two seasons. His speed and agility were crucial in creating space for other receivers and changing defensive strategies against the Texans.
With Dell's absence, the Texans have an opportunity to evaluate other players, including Boutte and Noel, as they build chemistry with quarterback C.J. Stroud. The team will have four regular-season games to assess their offensive needs without Dell, which will provide valuable insights moving forward.
