Texans GM Nick Caserio says WR Tank Dell is 'close to return' but what exactly does that mean?

The Houston Texans are preparing for their Week 1 opener against the Buffalo Bills, during which wide receiver Tank Dell will be on the injured reserve list. Dell suffered a severe injury in December 2024, tearing his ACL, MCL, LCL, and other ligaments during a game against Kansas City. He has been practicing in snippets this offseason, focusing on individual drills with light padding, but has not yet been cleared for contact drills or full-speed practice with the team.

General Manager Nick Caserio did not provide a specific return date, stating only that Dell is "close" to making a return, but not quite there yet. Dell believes they will have a better idea of his progress after four weeks or games. Caserio explained that the word "close" signifies that Dell is making progress, but there are still "more hills to climb" before he can be cleared to play in a game.

The team will determine when to reintegrate him into practice, with a 21-day period before activating him. Dell emphasized that he would not push himself beyond his limits but aimed to return better than before. Texans fans hope to see Dell return to the field, but for now, they just want to see him back on the team.