The Houston Texans are facing a challenging season without one of their most promising wide receivers, Tank Dell, who has been sidelined since suffering a catastrophic knee injury late last year. Dell’s injury occurred during a Week 16 game against the Kansas City Chiefs in December 2024, when he collided with teammate Jared Wayne after catching a 30-yard touchdown pass. This unfortunate incident resulted in a dislocated kneecap and multiple ligament tears—specifically the ACL, MCL, and LCL—making it one of the most severe injuries in recent memory.
Dell underwent several surgeries, with a confirmed ACL repair taking place in March 2025 after earlier procedures in January. Head coach DeMeco Ryans expressed optimism about Dell’s rehabilitation progress in May, noting that Dell was in “great spirits.” However, the team has emphasized the importance of a full recovery, opting not to rush his return. As of mid-November, Dell remains on the reserve/PUP list and has not been activated or cleared to practice, leading to speculation that he will not play this season.
According to SportsMedAnalytics, recovering from multi-ligament injuries typically takes a minimum of 10 to 12 months for basic recovery, and 14 to 16 months for athletes aiming to return to high-level competition. Given Dell’s ongoing status and lack of updates, it appears he is far from meeting the medical criteria needed for activation, with no intentions from the Texans for him to return this season.
There’s a faint possibility that Dell could join the team for a playoff run if the Texans secure a postseason berth, but for the regular season, fantasy football managers should not expect any contributions from him. The severity of his injury raises concerns about his long-term career viability, and he may require more time to return to peak form, potentially affecting his career longevity.
With Dell out for the entirety of the current season, the Texans have had to adjust their receiving strategy, relying more on players such as Nico Collins, who has earned Pro Bowl honors, and rookies like Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, despite their limited playing time.
Dell, a talented third-round pick in 2023, previously showcased remarkable potential, recording 51 receptions for 667 yards and three touchdowns in 2024 before his injury. His college stats were equally impressive, with standout seasons that included over 1,300 receiving yards and numerous touchdowns. Fans and teammates alike remain hopeful that he will fully recover and be able to make a significant impact when he returns to the field for the 2026 season.