Tank Dell nears Texans return as 21-day practice window set to open

The Houston Texans are preparing for a significant reinforcement on offense. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday that the team expects to open wide receiver Tank Dell’s 21-day practice window this week, marking the first concrete step toward a potential return after a lengthy absence.

Dell has not appeared in a game since December 21, 2024. He was placed on injured reserve in late August with a designation to return, but had remained sidelined while working back from a devastating knee injury suffered late in the 2024 season.

From breakout draft pick to long rehab

A third-round pick in 2023, Dell joined a franchise-shaping Texans draft class headlined by quarterback C.J. Stroud at No. 2 overall and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. at No. 3. Dell quickly became one of Stroud’s trusted options as a rookie, posting strong production before adding another solid season in 2024.

His ascent was derailed in a Week 16 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, when he suffered a gruesome knee injury that included ACL, MCL and LCL tears along with a dislocation. That setback has cost him 27 consecutive games including the postseason, and that streak is expected to grow slightly before he is cleared for game action.

The timing of the practice window lines up with a possible Week 9 return. Houston has its bye in Week 8, giving Dell additional practice time if the club opts not to activate him immediately. At 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, Dell’s speed and separation ability were key elements in the Texans’ passing attack before the injury.

Texans’ rough start heightens urgency

Dell’s looming return comes as the Texans attempt to dig out of an 0-4 start. Houston entered 2026 with three straight playoff appearances and a roster that still looks strong on paper, but injuries at wide receiver have contributed to an unexpectedly poor opening month.

Top target Nico Collins missed Weeks 2 and 3 with a hamstring strain, while wideout Jayden Higgins suffered a season-ending ACL tear in August. The Texans rallied from an 0-3 start last year by going 12-2 the rest of the way, but history offers little comfort: the 1992 Chargers remain the only team to reach the postseason after starting 0-4.

Even if Houston cannot replicate that kind of turnaround, Dell’s performance over the second half of the season could be pivotal for his future. He is on track to reach free agency in the upcoming offseason, making every snap an opportunity to rebuild his value after nearly two full years away from game action.

Kayden McDonald, Braden Smith also nearing practice

Dell is not the only key piece nearing a return. According to the Houston Chronicle, the Texans also plan to open practice windows for defensive tackle Kayden McDonald and right tackle Braden Smith. McDonald, a second-round pick at No. 36 overall, has been on injured reserve all season with an ankle injury.

Smith, who previously anchored the Indianapolis Colts’ offensive line, joined Houston on a two-year, $20MM free agent contract. He landed on injured reserve in early September after undergoing neck surgery. Getting Dell, McDonald and Smith back on the field would represent a major boost as the Texans attempt to salvage their season.