Houston Texans receiver Tank Dell has quickly formed a remarkable bond with quarterback C.J. Stroud since being drafted in 2023. However, a significant injury late in the 2024 season has sidelined him, and his absence was especially notable during the Texans’ challenging 0-3 start to the current season.
Despite a recent rebound to a 2-3 record, the Texans have faced another setback, as wide receiver Christian Kirk has been ruled out for Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks. With fans eagerly awaiting the return of Dell, questions loom over his recovery timeline for 2025.
Dell sustained a devastating leg injury in Week 16 against the Kansas City Chiefs when he collided with teammate Jared Wayne after scoring a 30-yard touchdown. The injury resulted in multiple serious issues, including a torn ACL, MCL, a dislocated kneecap, and damage to his meniscus. This extensive damage makes his case one of the most severe in recent football history.
To address these injuries, Dell underwent several surgeries, including an ACL repair in March 2025, following previous knee procedures. Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has described Dell as being “in great spirits” during his rehabilitation but emphasized that the team is committed to not rushing his return. As of August 26, the Texans placed Dell on the reserve/PUP list, and a formal timetable for his return remains uncertain.
There is, however, a glimmer of hope regarding Dell’s recovery. According to CBS Sports analyst Ross Tucker, Dell has made significant strides, having been spotted running sprints before the team’s Week 4 victory against the Titans. Tucker pointed out the vital connection that Dell has with Stroud, noting that the offense appears markedly different when he’s on the field.
While this development encourages Texans fans, many analysts caution that Dell could still potentially miss the entire season, although this remains speculation rather than a certainty. Experts from SportsMedAnalytics suggest that recovery from multi-ligament injuries like Dell’s typically necessitates a minimum of 10 to 12 months for basic healing, with high-level football readiness often taking 14 to 16 months. Using the minimum recovery timeline, it may be that Dell won’t be ready to contribute again until February, which would effectively close the door on his 2025 season.
Dell had already shown remarkable potential during his time with the Texans, recording 47 receptions for 709 yards and seven touchdowns in his rookie year. Prior to his injury, he had managed 51 catches for 667 yards and three touchdowns in just part of the last season. With the Texans’ offensive output currently sitting at 18th in PFSN’s Offensive Impact metric, his presence as a WR2 is sorely missed.
As the Texans hope to continue improving their record, the return of Tank Dell remains a possibility that could reinvigorate their offense and strengthen their playoff aspirations in the future.