Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell has received clearance for football activities and is set to participate in the team's training camp, marking his return after missing the entirety of the 2025 season due to a significant knee injury. Dell was not placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, indicating he is medically cleared to resume playing.
The injury occurred in December 2024 during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, when Dell suffered a torn ACL, LCL, and MCL on a single play while scoring a touchdown. The incident also involved a knee dislocation and meniscus damage. Following the injury, he underwent two surgeries.
Dell described the recovery process as "the hardest year of my life" in January comments reported by the Houston Chronicle. He expressed optimism about his return, stating, "I'm back. I feel like I'm feeling really good right now. … Once the season comes, we're gonna cook up."
Prior to his injury, Dell had established himself as a key player for the Texans. The 2023 third-round draft pick had a strong rookie season, recording 709 receiving yards in 11 games and forming a potent connection with quarterback C.J. Stroud. He posted three 100-yard games in his rookie year and scored the game-winning touchdown in a victory over the Buccaneers. In the 2024 season, before his injury, Dell accumulated 667 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games.
His absence was keenly felt in the 2025 season, as only Nico Collins surpassed 800 receiving yards for the Texans. Dell's return is anticipated to bolster the team's receiving corps and potentially aid Stroud's performance as he enters a pivotal season.