Tank Dell: Everything you need to know

Dell (knee) is not participating in OTAs this week, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports. Dell is on the field in uniform, but he's not sporting a helmet, as the Texans are taking a "patient, long term approach" with the wide receiver this offseason, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. The 26-year-old has been sidelined since tearing multiple knee ligaments in Week 16 of the 2024 season. While Dell may not participate in offseason workouts, there's a good chance he's on the field at training camp with an eye toward Week 1 of the regular season. If healthy, Dell should occupy a spot in three-wide sets alongside Nico Collins and Jayden Higgins, with Jaylin Noel and Xavier Hutchinson available as sub-package wideouts.

Coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledged Tuesday that he's uncertain whether Dell (knee) will be available for the Texans' upcoming offseason activities, but added that he expects the wide receiver will be "back for (the team) at some point this year," Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports. Dell hasn't played since tearing most of the ligaments in his left knee while also dislocating his kneecap in a Dec. 21, 2024 game against the Chiefs. While Ryans is hopeful that Dell will be able to contribute at some point this coming season, he doesn't plan to rush the 2023 third-rounder back. "I told Tank, it's not a matter of getting back to OTAs just to get back," Ryans said. "It's just a matter of getting back, being in a really good spot physically so you can stay there. It's not about how quickly he returns, it's just about Tank returning." Once Dell is able to return to the field, he'll join a Houston WR corps that's led by Nico Collins and also includes Jayden Higgins, Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel and Justin Watson. Prior to his injury, the 26-year-old compiled a 98/1,376/10 receiving line (on 156 targets) over the course of 25 regular-season contests.

Houston general manager Nick Caserio said Wednesday that he expects Dell (knee) to be available for offseason activities, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Caserio acknowledged that the team will have a better idea about where Dell stands in his recovery from the pair of surgeries he underwent in early 2025 to address a major left knee injury once he gets on the field during OTAs. The GM's comments echo those of head coach DeMeco Ryans, who told Sam Warren of the Houston Chronicle on Tuesday that Dell pushed hard to return toward the end of this past season. Dell's return should bolster an offense that was often out of sync in 2025, though it's fair to wonder if the fourth-year wideout's explosiveness might be compromised to some degree coming off surgery. Before sitting out the 2025 campaign, Dell registered 98 receptions on 156 targets for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns in 25 games over his first two NFL seasons.