Houston Texans star's recovery milestone draws praise after career-threatening 2024 injury
Tank Dell practiced in full pads for the first time since his 2024 knee injury. The Texans WR is making steady progress in his long comeback.
On Wednesday at Houston Texans' training camp, wide receiver Tank Dell made a significant recovery milestone, putting on full pads and running routes for the first time since a career-threatening 2024 knee injury nearly ended his NFL career. This moment, after nearly two years of rehabilitation that included multiple surgeries and a missed season, marked real progress in Dell's return to the field.
Dell's performance during individual drills, such as running routes and catching passes from quarterback C.J. Stroud, was documented and quickly shared on social media. Although he was held out of team periods like 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 contact work, the coaching staff's decision to allow Dell this level of participation signaled confidence in his recovery.
Dell described his journey as "a roller coaster ride" and expressed readiness for this stage. The injury, which included a dislocated knee, torn ACL, MCL, and PCL, along with vascular damage, required emergency surgery, and led to missing the entire 2025 season. Dell's return could be crucial for Houston, complementing Nico Collins in providing a boost to the receiving corps.
The Texans hope Dell can replicate the impact of a healthy, featured receiver, similar to Denver's recent trade for Jaylen Waddle. The team is still unclear on Dell's timeline for full team drills and preseason game action, but Wednesday's practice marked a meaningful step forward in his long and uncertain recovery.
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