The NFL offseason workout period has featured several players working their way back from significant injuries. The Houston Texans are seeing encouraging progress from one of their biggest stars. Wide receiver Tank Dell missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from a devastating knee injury suffered late in 2024.
On Thursday, Dell took a major step forward in his recovery. Reports indicate that he participated in positional drills during the Texans’ OTA sessions this week. While the drills remain non-contact, Dell’s involvement marks a significant milestone for one of quarterback C.J. Stroud’s favorite targets.
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Dell’s rookie season was interrupted by injuries, but he still emerged as a dynamic weapon for Houston. In just 11 games, he caught 47 passes for 709 yards and seven touchdowns. One of his most memorable moments came in Week 9. He hauled in the game-winning touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He followed that campaign with a largely healthy 2024 season. Then disaster struck in Week 16 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
During the third quarter, Dell went up for a catch in the end zone and secured the touchdown, putting Houston in position to tie the game. As he came down, however, a fellow Texans receiver collided with him. The play resulted in a catastrophic knee injury that included a dislocated knee, multiple torn ligaments, and meniscus damage.
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Fortunately, the injury was not career-threatening, but it required a lengthy rehabilitation process. Dell’s absence was felt throughout the Texans’ offense. Without him, Houston struggled to replicate the success of its strong 2023 campaign, and the offense took a noticeable step backward. His return would provide Stroud with a familiar and explosive playmaker.
The connection between Stroud and Dell dates back to the 2023 NFL Draft. After the Texans selected Stroud, he reportedly pushed the organization to draft Dell as well. Houston eventually selected the receiver with the 69th overall pick, and the two quickly developed chemistry on the field.
Dell still has hurdles to clear before he is fully cleared for football activities, but Thursday’s update represents a major step in the right direction. If he can return to form, could the CJ Stroud to Tank Dell connection help transform the Texans offense back into one of the NFL’s most exciting and explosive units?
