Texans Designate Tank Dell to Return From Injured Reserve

Tank Dell took another major step toward making his long-awaited return to the field on Wednesday.

The Texans officially designated Dell to return from injured reserve, opening his 21-day practice window. The 26-year-old WR is practicing today as Houston begins preparation for its Week 5 matchup against the Titans.

Dell has not played in a game since suffering a devastating knee injury in December 2024. He tore his ACL, MCL, and LCL, dislocated his kneecap, and damaged his meniscus on the play.

The former 3rd-round pick worked his way back enough to participate in full-contact portions of training camp this summer, but Houston remained cautious with his recovery. Dell did not appear during the preseason and was placed on injured reserve ahead of Week 1.

HC DeMeco Ryans announced earlier this week that Houston expected to open Dell’s practice window along with OT Braden Smith and DT Kayden McDonald.

“Once you open that 21-day window, you have to see how guys respond to practice. This would be the first time that all those guys were back out practicing. We see how they respond, how their week goes, and then we’ll see what happens on Sunday.”

Dell emerged as one of Houston’s top young offensive weapons before the injury. Across his first 2 seasons, he recorded 98 receptions for 1,376 yards and 10 TDs.