Texans open practice windows for Tank Dell, Kayden McDonald and Braden Smith

The Houston Texans have taken an important step toward getting help on both sides of the ball, opening the 21-day practice windows for wide receiver Tank Dell, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald and offensive tackle Braden Smith. The moves allow all three players to return to practice while the team evaluates when to bring them back to the 53-man roster.

Tank Dell nears long-awaited comeback from leg injury

Dell was placed on injured reserve with a return designation during final roster cuts, a move that ensured he would miss at least four weeks but also counted toward Houston’s in-season allotment of eight activations. His 2024 season ended abruptly because of a severe leg injury which required multiple surgeries, and he sat out all of last year while rehabbing.

The receiver continued to make strides over the summer and is now positioned to get back on the field in the near future. Dell established quick chemistry with quarterback C.J. Stroud over his first two years in Houston, and the Texans will be looking to reignite that connection in the passing game. He is set to hit free agency after this season, so how he performs upon his return will be a major factor in shaping his market.

Veteran tackle Braden Smith targets role on struggling O-line

Smith spent his first eight NFL seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, starting all but two of his 107 games before arriving in Houston. He recovered from offseason neck surgery in time to make the Texans’ initial roster, but a partially torn plantar fascia suffered during joint practices pushed him onto injured reserve to open the campaign.

The veteran lineman signed a two-year, $20MM free agent contract with the Texans and is expected to bolster an offensive line which has again been an issue early in 2026 despite a series of changes. If he can return to form, Smith would offer needed stability in front of Stroud and help solidify the protection and run blocking.

Rookie Kayden McDonald adds to an underrated run defense

McDonald, a second-round selection, has yet to appear in a regular-season game after an ankle sprain delayed the start of his rookie year. His ability to resume practice at the first eligible date is an encouraging sign for Houston’s coaching staff as they look to deepen their defensive front.

The Texans’ defense has underwhelmed overall to this point in 2026, but the unit does rank fourth in the league in rushing yards allowed per game. McDonald is expected to reinforce that strength once he is ready for game action. When Dell, Smith and McDonald are ultimately activated from injured reserve, safety Ja’Marcus Ingram and offensive tackle Sam Hagen will be the only remaining in-season IR-return candidates for Houston.