For the first time this season, the Houston Texans can start envisioning an offensive gameplan with Tank Dell in it.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans announced on Monday that the team plans to open up the 21-day window for wide receiver Tank Dell to return to practice this week. He won't be the only player back, as the Texans also plan to bring back offensive tackle Braden Smith and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.
While the window will be open, that doesn't mean that Dell will be cleared for Sunday's matchup against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, but it is an important step in the right direction. Whenever the 2023 third-round pick returns, it'll mark the first time he has not played in a game since December 2024, after being carted off the field
with a significant knee injury in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Dell, who has 10 career touchdowns in two seasons, made strides toward returning sooner while appearing in several non-contact practices. However, Dell was never able to partake in team drills, eventually leading to him being placed on the injured reserve to the begin the year.
The Texans are opening up the practice window for WR Tank Dell this week, which means he could be returning pretty soon if things go well 🫡 pic.twitter.com/7aufuB7tMX
— Nick Schwager (@nick__schwager) October 5, 2026
General manager Nick Caserio said previously that Dell was working on getting back to his top speed, something that had been in discussion since late last season. By the end of the 21-day window, Houston will have to either call up Dell and place him on the active roster, or shut him down for the rest of the regular season.
"You have to see how guys respond to practice,” Ryans said. “This would be the first time that all those guys were back out practicing. We see how they respond, how their week goes and then we’ll see what happens on Sunday.”
Right now, the Texans have one trusted playmaker in Nico Collins, who finished with over 100 yards in his first game back from a hamstring injury. Outside of him, there are question marks about a consistent No. 2 option. Currently, Jaylin Noel ranks second among receivers with 186 yards, but only has eight catches.
Tight end Dalton Schultz leads the way with 214 yards off 21 receptions, though 140 yards came in Week 2's loss against the Cincinnatti Bengals.
Houston kicks off on Sunday at Noon on CBS.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans open up 21-day window for WR Tank Dell's return
