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Updated October 7, 11:46 p.m. EDT: Tank Dell returned to Houston Texans practice on Wednesday and was listed as limited with a knee injury. The receiver’s return is another step in his recovery after missing the entire 2025 season; it does not confirm that he will play against Tennessee on Sunday.
Houston designated Dell, tackle Braden Smith and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald to return from injured reserve on Wednesday. That follows the plan coach DeMeco Ryans outlined on Monday, October 5, the day after Houston fell to 0–4. A return designation allows practice while the team evaluates a player; activation to the roster is a separate decision.
“This week, we expect to open the window for Tank Dell, for Braden Smith, and for Kayden McDonald,” Ryans said.
A long road back
Dell was hurt on December 21, 2024, in a Week 16 loss to Kansas City, when a teammate collided with his left knee at the back of the end zone. He tore the ACL, MCL and LCL and dislocated the knee, an injury that required more than one operation and cost him the entire 2025 season. He has now missed 27 consecutive games, playoffs included.
He took part in a handful of practice snaps during training camp this summer before a minor setback, and Houston placed him on injured reserve with a return designation in late August. That meant he had to sit out at least the first four games. It is the second major injury of his career: his rookie season ended in Week 13 of 2023 with a broken leg.
Dell’s return begins a 21-day period for the Texans to decide whether to add him to the active roster. If they do not, he stays on injured reserve for the rest of the season. Houston’s bye comes in Week 8, so the team could use the full window before deciding on his first game back.
Why it matters for Houston
The Texans’ passing game has been short of healthy targets. Nico Collins missed two games with a hamstring strain, and Jayden Higgins tore an ACL in August. Before his injury, Dell caught 47 passes for 709 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie and added 51 catches for 667 yards and three scores in 2024. He is in the final season of his rookie contract.
Smith was listed as limited with a foot injury on Wednesday, while McDonald was limited with an ankle injury. Roster moves will appear on the NFL transactions page and status updates on the injury report.
What comes next
Houston visits the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, October 11, at 1:00 p.m. EDT at Nissan Stadium. Follow the team on the Texans page.
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