Houston Texans Will Open Practice Window for Tank Dell

The Texans have designated receiver Tank Dell to return to practice following a knee injury sustained in 2024.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Football

Houston Texans Will Open Practice Window for Tank Dell

Live Poll

Do you feel optimistic about your local team's performance this season?

The Houston Texans will begin a 21-day practice window for receiver Tank Dell this week. Dell had been sidelined since sustaining a knee injury in December 2024.

Why it matters

The return of a primary receiving target provides the Texans offense with a potential boost as the team attempts to improve its standing. Dell’s availability allows the coaching staff to evaluate his readiness for a return to active game play.

Before his 2024 injury, Dell recorded 51 receptions for 667 yards and three touchdowns. During his rookie season in 2023, he tallied seven touchdowns before suffering a broken leg.

The players

Tank Dell

He is a wide receiver for the Houston Texans who was selected by the team in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Houston Texans

They are a professional football franchise based in Houston that competes in the South Division of the American Football Conference.

Braden Smith

He is a player for the Houston Texans who is also included in the team's opening of a 21-day practice window.

Kayden McDonald

He is a player for the Houston Texans who is also included in the team's opening of a 21-day practice window.

The details

The Houston Texans are opening a 21-day practice window on Wednesday to evaluate the health of Dell, Braden Smith, and Kayden McDonald. This designation allows the team to assess whether the players can safely resume participation in full team activities.

The Texans drafted Tank Dell in 2023.
Tank Dell suffered a broken leg in Week 13 of the 2023 season.
Dell sustained a knee injury in December 2024.
The team will open the practice window in October 2026.

Season Trajectory

The activation of this practice window follows the NFL injured reserve return policy as the team navigates player availability during the season. This move aims to restore depth to the roster as the Texans look to improve their early-season standing.

The opening of this window allows the team to begin integrating Dell back into the offensive rotation over the next three weeks. His return serves as a potential factor in the team's ability to increase scoring output following a 0-4 start to the season.

The takeaway

The team’s ability to successfully reintegrate key personnel after significant injuries remains a critical component of mid-season roster management. Fans and observers can monitor the practice reports over the next 21 days to gauge Dell's progression toward a full recovery.