Texans fans just got news they’ve been waiting months to hear:
Tank Dell is back.
The wideout wasn’t on the Texans list of physically unable to perform players, meaning he’s cleared for football activity and will be ready for the start of training camp.
After suffering a torn ACL, LCL and MCL on the same play in December 2024 against the Chiefs, Dell missed the entire 2025 season in what was a crucial blow to the Texans’ receiver room.
The 2023 third-round pick suffered the injury while hauling in a 30-yard touchdown, and also dislocated his knee and had meniscus damage.
The speedy wideout underwent two surgeries following the injury and offered his first public comments about his recovery process in January, calling it “the hardest year of my life,” according to the Houston Chronicle.
Dell also said, “I’m back. I feel like I’m feeling really good right now. … Once the season comes, we’re gonna cook up.”
He’s certainly capable of “cooking up.” At least based on his college career and first two NFL seasons.
After finishing his college career with two 1,000-plus yard seasons at Houston, Dell burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2023 with 709 receiving yards in just 11 games.
Dell immediately formed a potent connection with quarterback C.J. Stroud, who had his best season in 2023.
The 26-year-old had three 100-yard-plus games as a rookie and had the game-winning touchdown in a thrilling 39-37 win over the Buccaneers mid-season.
Even with Stroud regressing in 2024, Dell still had 667 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games before injury.
Dell’s absence was felt in 2025, as no other Texans receiver had over 800 yards outside of Nico Collins, who had 1,117.
The speedster’s return may also help Stroud return to rookie form, as the former Ohio State signal-caller is entering a make-or-break year.
