Texans WR Tank Dell practices in pads for first time since 2024 knee injury

Wide receiver Tank Dell took another step back toward the Texans lineup on Wednesday.

Reporters at Texans training camp shared photos and videos of Dell taking part in practice while wearing full pads. It’s the first time that Dell has practiced in pads since he suffered a severe knee injury in December 2024.

Dell was not placed on the physically unable to perform list at the start of camp, but the team has brought him along deliberately given how long he has been out of action.

The Texans have not shared their plan for Dell in their preseason games, but game action will be the next big hurdle for Dell to clear as he tries to return to the form he showed in his first two NFL seasons. Dell had 98 catches for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns in 25 games to establish himself as a key offensive piece in Houston and the team’s offensive profile will improve if he can return to that kind of production.