Texans ‘encouraged’ by Dell heading into camp

Dell has missed the mandatory four games on injured reserve, but may be a week-to-week proposition at this point. None of the Texans secondary receivers have really hit the bar of fantasy interesting — partially because none of them gets full playing time — and we’d be skeptical that Dell would hit that either early in his return. But he could grow into a bigger role as the season plays out.

The deal includes $1 million in guarantees while saving the franchise almost $2 million against the cap. Dell is reportedly nearing a return from the devastating knee injury suffered in Week 16 of the 2024 season but will begin 2026 on the physically unable to perform list, meaning he will miss the first four games of the regular season. The contract restructure hints at a potential “prove it” year for Dell, giving the team options following 2026 pending health.

He was already placed on injured reserve, so he’ll miss the first four games of the season. Reading between the lines it sounds like Dell has a chance to miss more than just the first four games of the season. Kayshon Boutte and Dalton Schultz will battle for the role of lead secondary target behind Nico Collins while Dell is sidelined.

The designation to return means that Dell is expected to contribute in some capacity this season, although he appears a ways off still. With Jaylin Noel still nursing an injury after experiencing a setback and Jayden Higgins lost for the season, recent acquisition Kayshon Boutte has all the runway to operate as the WR2 opposite Nico Collins to start the season. Xavier Hutchinson should also see an uptick in opportunities while tight end Dalton Schultz should see a significant boost in weekly volume.

NBC Houston’s Aaron Wilson noted earlier today that Noel was not participating in practice due to a finger injury, which he suffered in July, and a recent hamstring injury. It turns out Noel’s recent hamstring injury is actually a re-injury. Fellow second-year WR Jayden Higgins has the inside track to the WR2 role. Noel was set to compete with Xavier Hutchinson and WR Tank Dell for the WR3 gig. Instead, he is losing valuable preseason reps. Noel might be best viewed as an early-season waiver wire add.

NBC Houston’s Aaron Wilson listed the Texans players who were not practicing on Sunday. Dell was the only player who was not listed with an injury designation, so it seems likely that this is just a rest day. The Texans are easing Dell, 26, back into action following a lengthy absence stemming from a multi-ligament knee injury suffered in 2024. Dell’s range of potential outcomes remains wide. He may be best suited to a complementary, rotational role.

This news comes from NBC Houston’s Aaron Wilson. Dell’s participation on Monday is a notable step in his recovery as the fourth-year receiver continues to work his way back from a devastating knee injury that ended his 2024 season and sidelined him for all of 2025. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said last week that the team is planning to take its time bringing Dell back, but it appears he is making good progress with a few weeks still left in camp. Whether or not Dell will be ready for Week 1 remains up in the air, but he’s clearly trending in the right direction.

Dell has been on the practice field in a limited capacity for the Texans and is expected to be limited for the next few weeks. The fourth-year receiver missed all of last season due to a horrific knee injury he suffered in 2024 and is hoping to return to action sooner rather than later. On Friday, Dell was non-committal about when he expects to first suit up for a game, but he’s clearly trending in the right direction after an extended time away. Dell returning in any capacity is great news for a player who has had to endure what he went through to make it back, but he faces stiff competition for targets in a wide receiver room that is ripe with playmakers.

It will likely be a limited session for Dell, coming off a catastrophic 2024 knee injury that wiped out his entire 2025 campaign. Texans general manager Nick Caserio said in late July that Dell would be limited in practice for a few weeks as he works his way back from the career-threatening injury. Even if Dell avoids setbacks in the coming weeks, he’s a long shot to be anything more than Houston’s third or fourth pass-catching option to begin the season.

Dell is still working his way back from the catastrophic knee injury that cost him all of the 2025 season. All reports on his health heading into training camp have been positive, but a slow ramp-up period could mean he isn’t playing a full-time role in Week 1. Jayden Higgins appears to be locked in for No. 2 duties in Houston with Dell, Xavier Hutchinson, and an injured Jaylin Noel all vying for the third spot in 11-personnel. Dell is likely the best bet of the three, but it’s more likely than not that there is no clear winner ahead of Houston’s opener.